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- Info
Buffer zone distances to protect foraging and loafing waterbirds from human disturbance in Florida
| Author: |
Rodgers Jr., J.A.; Smith, H.T. |
| Date: |
1997 |
| Periodical: |
Wildlife Society Bulletin 1997 |
| Abstract: |
Sixteen species of waterbirds (Pelecaniformes, Ciconiiformes, Charadriiformes) in north and central Florida were exposed to 4 types of human disturbances (walking, all-terrain vehicle, automobile, boat) to determine buffer zones that minimize flushing of foraging or loafing birds. Both intraspecific and interspecific variation were observed in flushing response distances to the same type of disturbance. Buffer zones were estimated using a formula based on the mean plus 1.6495 standard deviations of the observed flushing distance plus 40 m (buffer distance = exp [m + 1.6495s] + 40). A buffer of about 100 m should minimize disturbance to most species of waterbirds we studied in Florida. We recommend follow-up studies to test our buffer distances for other species and disturbance situations. |
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