U.S.-Chile: Genetic and Demographic Consequences of Human-driven Landscape Changes on Birds: A Case Study Using Aphrastura Spinicauda and Scelorchilus Rubecula

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0501012BlakeThis dissertation enhancement proposal supports Dr. John G. Blake and Ms. Cintia Cornelius, University of Missouri-Saint Louis, to work with Dr. Pablo A. Marquet at the Universidad Catolica de Chile in Santiago, Chile on the genetic and demographic consequences of human-driven landscape changes on birds. The goal of their project is to evaluate the relative importance of habitat deterioration and habitat fragmentation in limiting forest bird populations in a fragmented landscape in southern South American temperate rainforests. The two bird species they will use as model systems, Aphrastura spinicauda (Furnariidae) and Scelorchilus rubecula (Rhinocryptidae) are prevalent in this location and differ in several life-history traits. This will provide two contrasting cases of several possible life-history strategies in this forest.This study will provide an important contribution to the theoretical framework of habitat fragmentation and will have a direct impact on management plans in the south-temperate rainforest region. Southern South American rainforests are highly threatened and internationally recognized to be of high priority for conservation due to their insular characteristic with high endemism and restricted geographical ranges of most plant and animal species.