Evaluating a Stepping Stone for Neotropical Migratory Birds: The Belizean North East Biological Corridor

 

Data Owner

Dr. Nick Bayly

Data Access: Level 5

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Abstract

The banding records and transect observations contained within this dataset arose from an independent research project focusing on Neotropical migrants in north-east Belize 'Evaluating a stepping stone for Neotropical migratory birds: the Belizean north-east biological corridor' (see <http://belizemigrants.wordpress.com/> for further information). Data were collected primarily between August 2007 and May 2008 and resulted in a total of 3319 banding records and 7035 observation records of both Neotropical migrants and resident birds.

Purpose

Lying on a major flyway for migrants from the eastern and boreal regions of North America and being situated close to the main arrival and departure points for birds crossing the Gulf of Mexico, Belize is expected to provide resources to a range of species both during migration and winter. Despite its likely import as a stopover region to Neotropical migrants, there has been a very limited body of work examining how migrants use this region. This dataset was created primarily to examine this question, examining both autumn and spring migration whilst also focusing on over-winter habitat use in an ecosystem matrix in northeast Belize. The findings are being used to strengthen the case for the formation of biological corridor within this region. Whilst the dataset was created with a focus on Neotropical migrants, it contains a wealth of information on resident species that could also be used to address a variety of conservation and ecological questions.

Contact

  • Dr. Nick Bayly: nick_bayly@hotmail.com