Urban Wildlife Management

Urban Wildlife Management

PEW HWildlife Habitat Evaluation Program

Urban Wildlife Management Plan Students learn how to evaluate, improve or

create small areas of wildlife habitat for selected species which may live near areas of human development.

Why This Event Is Of Value

Students learn that although many people live in or near urban development they can still enjoy backyard wildlife.

Loss of habitat threatens many species. They learn that urban wildlife have the same

basic habitat needs. Participants “get a taste” of landscape design with

an emphasis on preserving habitat for wildlife.

Urban Areas to Evaluate

Urban landscapes include seven categories.– 1. Urban forests– 2. Corridors– 3. Neighborhood parks, school grounds, and

golf courses– 4. Vacant land and open areas– 5. Residential homes– 6. Apartment and business lots– 7. Inner city

Urban Wildlife Species

The species to be considered will be selected from a list of 16 animals, which are adapted and can survive near human development.

Robins, Butterflies, Cottontails, Fox Squirrels, Frogs, House Finches, House Sparrows, House Wrens, Hummingbirds, Common Nighthawks, Flickers, Raccoons, Pigeons, Sparrows, Starlings, & Bluebirds

Urban WMP’s - Event

Wildlife Management Map (10 points) – Draw a diagram of the site showing wildlife habitat

and landscape features.

Wildlife Management Plan (20 points)– Write a one page management plan to explain your

habitat recommendations.

Team event - all 4 team members work together Time- 1 hour to complete

Materials Provided

Project site with well-marked boundaries Field Condition Sheet

– Landowner Objectives– Target species– Sketch of site showing existing features– Scale of sketch map– Special considerations (cats, children, etc.)

Tools: colored pencils, grid paper, symbol diagram, paper

Urban Habitat Needs

Food– target species, seasonal availability, natural vs.

artificial, hazards

Water– location, depth, aquatic plants

Shelter– nesting, resting, hiding and predator protection

Corridors– travel and safety

Urban Practices

Brush piles

CorridorsNesting boxes

Plant food plots

Plant mast treesPond constructionWater control structureWildlife damage management

Additional Urban-Only Practices

Do not disturb nesting areas Plant flowers Rooftop / balcony gardensUse pesticide carefully

Example From 99 National Event

Area: Park surrounding the Student Center on the Kansas State Univ. campus.

Objectives: – The manager of the Center is a member of the

Audubon Society and would like to see more Northern flickers and House wrens on the grounds.

– The President of KSU is a mammalogist and would like to provide habitat for cottontails, fox squirrels, and raccoons.

Example (continued)

Special Considerations– The stream has a tendency to dry up during hot

summers.– The starling population has been increasing

during the last five years.– The Center wishes to maintain a visually-

pleasing landscape while promoting wildlife.

The Makings Of A Good Plan

– Restate the management objectives.– Identify the target species.– Determine which practices benefit each species.

CONTINUED

– Make an assessment of the current condition of the site.

– Justify why you did or did not change existing vegetation.

– Discuss conflicts and compromises.– How will you evaluate your success.

Things to Consider

Aesthetics : Does it make an attractive landscape? Arrangement: Is the food near cover, etc. Vertical habitat layers: grass, shrubs, trees Access and human traffic: trails, fences, etc. Timing: growth of vegetation, blooming or

fruiting season Plant characteristics: deciduous/ evergreen,

annual/ perennial

Training the Team

First must memorize the Urban Chart Organize a pattern or system for plan

development Practice writing using correct terminology Writing and drawing should be neat and legible Practice on a variety of urban sites Learn to work as a team and respect others

opinions

Everyone has an opinion…..

“Why did the chicken cross the road?”– Captain Kirk: To boldly go where no chicken has gone

before.– Einstein: It’s relative, the road actually moved under

the chicken.– Darwin: Over great periods of time, chickens have

been naturally selected to do this.– Cowboy: To prove to the armadillo that it could be

done!– Colonel Sanders: Golly, I missed one!