Piñon-juniper woodlands are the most abundant woodland type across the southwestern United States, yet one of the least studied ecosystems. Obligate and semi-obligate piñon-juniper bird species are an important natural resource, and some are at-risk species of greatest conservation need in western states. Basic information gaps exist regarding habitat preferences and requirements for these species, which presents problems when habitat management is planned or undertaken. We propose a partner-driven collaborative project between the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service; this approach will build on complimentary research in progress, alleviate information deficiencies, and directly inform on-the-ground habitat management to minimize potential negative effects and maintain and improve suitable habitat for priority piñon-juniper bird species. This work will entail two years of research within diverse piñon-juniper habitats at each of two study sites in Sandoval and Sierra Counties, New Mexico and will focus on priority bird species’ community occupancy, density, abundance, productivity, and habitat needs and preferences during breeding and non-breeding seasons. The results of this work will be shared with partners and applied to maintain high functioning and quality piñon-juniper ecosystems, improve habitat conditions and population trajectories for these avian species, and achieve conservation and recovery goals. Deliverables will include interim annual reports; a final report will include broader application of results and analyses with science-based strategies for piñon-juniper management that will to contribute to avian-specific recommendations for piñon-juniper habitat management prescriptions and build on existing studies being conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This research will promote collaborative conservation at landscape scales and benefit project partners and land management agencies in New Mexico and across piñon-juniper ecosystems in the southwestern United States.
