Southwest Louisiana Research Paper

Southwest Louisiana is characterized by extensive coastal marshland interrupted by numerous forests atop relict beach ridges, or chenier ridges, and natural ridges or levees. The cheniers of southwest Louisiana and the natural ridges of southeast Louisiana are unique geological features that are critical components of the ecology of these areas. They support a diversity of wildlife and, because of their location along important migration pathways, are especially important for Neotropical migratory songbirds. Available long term data sets reveal population declines among many migratory landbirds species over the past quarter century (). Although debate over the causes of the decline among many migrant species continues, attention has focused largely on events associated with the stationary phases of the annual cycle. What has been largely overlooked in development of conservation strategies is the importance of events during …show more content…
For over half of the 322 migratory bird species that breed in North America and winter in the tropics, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) is a prominent ecological barrier that migrants negotiate by migrating over or around twice each year (). Weather surveillance radar analysis along the northern coast of the GOM reveals that migrant densities are relatively highest at longitudes in western Louisiana, consistent with field observations that showed consistent high-density stopover use of coastal forests in western Louisiana by migrating landbirds () . Unfortunately, due to development and habitat alteration much of the chenier plain has been altered and less than 5% of natural chenier forests remain. Therefore, it is critical to determine the importance of these disappearing habitats to wildlife populations to make appropriate conservation and management