Effects of Housing Development on Bird Species Diversity in a Forest Fragment in Ontario, Canada

Bibliographic Data

ID11168248
AuthorsWendy J McWilliam, Wendy McWilliam (0000-0003-4889-9716), Robert D Brown (0000-0001-6955-910X)
Year2001
Volume26
Issue4
Pages407-419
Publication date2001-10-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueLandscape Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0142-6397 • E-ISSN: 1469-9710
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/01426390120090175
OpenAlexW2041864808
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited36

This study investigated the effects of a housing development on the number and composition of forest bird species in an adjacent remnant woodlot in Southern Ontario, Canada. The predicted effects of the development on the woodlot species were the subject of two regulatory hearings between 1979 and 1983. Theoretical evidence was presented that predicted a significant decrease in the number of interior species. The regulatory board ruled that theory was insufficient evidence upon which to predict the effects of the development, and allowed the development to proceed. To measure the effects of the development, a pre-development study undertaken by a consulting firm in 1977 was repeated in 1999, about 10 years after completion of the housing subdivision. The observed number of interior forest specialist species was found to have declined in agreement with prevailing theory, but the observed number of interior-edge and edge generalist species had unexpectedly increased. The results of this study, along with those from other recent studies, have been used to suggest mitigating measures for future developments

Archaeology · Biology · Diversity (politics) · Environmental protection · Generalist and specialist species · Geography · Habitat · Political science · Subdivision · Ecology · Ecology and Vegetation Dynamics Studies · Economic and Environmental Valuation · Forestry · Urban Green Space and Health

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