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Simplified method for wetland habitat assessment

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Abstract

This article presents a wetland habitat assessment technique (HAT) using birds as indicators of habitat quality. The technique is quick, simple, inexpensive, and lends itself to screening large numbers of wetlands. HAT can provide input to more extensive evaluation techniques. Measures of species diversity and rarity are used to assess the quality of the wetland. By applying the notion of ecologically optimum size, the technique addresses the issue of economic efficiency. Results of field testing HAT on 11 tidally influenced wetlands are presented to illustrate HAT's utility. Application of HAT in a variety of situations is discussed.

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Cable, T.T., Brack, V. & Holmes, V.R. Simplified method for wetland habitat assessment. Environmental Management 13, 207–213 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01868367

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