Theses and Dissertations
Date of Award
12-2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Robert K. Dearth
Second Advisor
Dr. Timothy Brush
Third Advisor
Dr. Teresa P. Feria Arroyo
Abstract
Using GPS-GSM transmitters I determined when 14 juvenile Gray Hawks (Buteo plagiatus) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas fledged from their natal areas and how far they traveled once they dispersed. These transmitters also allowed me to calculate home range sizes for 22 adults. Additionally, with the GPS-GSM transmitters and 15 VHF transmitters, I discovered that adult Gray Hawks in the study area remained in their territories year-round. Home range sizes were calculated using the minimum convex polygon estimator, the estimation of kernel home-range, and the estimation of kernel Brownian bridge home-range. The same three methods allowed me to calculate the size of winter territories for 11 juveniles.
This information will help guide conservation efforts for Gray Hawks in Texas where they are a Species of Greatest Conservation Need.
Recommended Citation
Stewart, Michael, "Home Range Dynamics and Juvenile Dispersal of Gray Hawks in the Lower Rio Grande Valley" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 975.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/975
Comments
Copyright 2021 Michael Stewart. All Rights Reserved.
https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/home-range-dynamics-juvenile-dispersal-gray-hawks/docview/2640384195/se-2?accountid=7119