The Implications of Forest Edge on Northern Goshawk Nest Location in the Bridger-Teton National Forest

Abstract

The Implications of Forest Edge on Northern Goshawk Nest Location in the Bridger-Teton National Forestac Umbrella species are considered a useful shortcut for conservation because the management of one species has the potential for “protecting” other co-occurring organisms quickly and with fewer investments. The Northern Goshawk is one such umbrella species chosen particularly because of their wide range and known sensitivity to human activities. However, goshawks’ low densities and cryptic nature make them difficult to study and little is known about their nesting habitat preferences. Due to goshawks’ sensitivity, forest managers and researchers alike stress the need to determine precisely what habitat characteristics goshawks prefer in order to manage U.S. forests more effectively. The purpose of this study was to determine if nesting goshawks in Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) had a preference for living in proximity to natural or disturbed forest edges.