Urban Wildlife Management
PEW HWildlife Habitat Evaluation Program
Urban Wildlife Management Plan Students learn how to evaluate, improve or
create small areas of wildlife habitat for selected species which may live near areas of human development.
Why This Event Is Of Value
Students learn that although many people live in or near urban development they can still enjoy backyard wildlife.
Loss of habitat threatens many species. They learn that urban wildlife have the same
basic habitat needs. Participants “get a taste” of landscape design with
an emphasis on preserving habitat for wildlife.
Urban Areas to Evaluate
Urban landscapes include seven categories.– 1. Urban forests– 2. Corridors– 3. Neighborhood parks, school grounds, and
golf courses– 4. Vacant land and open areas– 5. Residential homes– 6. Apartment and business lots– 7. Inner city
Urban Wildlife Species
The species to be considered will be selected from a list of 16 animals, which are adapted and can survive near human development.
Robins, Butterflies, Cottontails, Fox Squirrels, Frogs, House Finches, House Sparrows, House Wrens, Hummingbirds, Common Nighthawks, Flickers, Raccoons, Pigeons, Sparrows, Starlings, & Bluebirds
Urban WMP’s - Event
Wildlife Management Map (10 points) – Draw a diagram of the site showing wildlife habitat
and landscape features.
Wildlife Management Plan (20 points)– Write a one page management plan to explain your
habitat recommendations.
Team event - all 4 team members work together Time- 1 hour to complete
Materials Provided
Project site with well-marked boundaries Field Condition Sheet
– Landowner Objectives– Target species– Sketch of site showing existing features– Scale of sketch map– Special considerations (cats, children, etc.)
Tools: colored pencils, grid paper, symbol diagram, paper
Urban Habitat Needs
Food– target species, seasonal availability, natural vs.
artificial, hazards
Water– location, depth, aquatic plants
Shelter– nesting, resting, hiding and predator protection
Corridors– travel and safety
Urban Practices
Brush piles
CorridorsNesting boxes
Plant food plots
Plant mast treesPond constructionWater control structureWildlife damage management
Additional Urban-Only Practices
Do not disturb nesting areas Plant flowers Rooftop / balcony gardensUse pesticide carefully
Example From 99 National Event
Area: Park surrounding the Student Center on the Kansas State Univ. campus.
Objectives: – The manager of the Center is a member of the
Audubon Society and would like to see more Northern flickers and House wrens on the grounds.
– The President of KSU is a mammalogist and would like to provide habitat for cottontails, fox squirrels, and raccoons.
Example (continued)
Special Considerations– The stream has a tendency to dry up during hot
summers.– The starling population has been increasing
during the last five years.– The Center wishes to maintain a visually-
pleasing landscape while promoting wildlife.
The Makings Of A Good Plan
– Restate the management objectives.– Identify the target species.– Determine which practices benefit each species.
CONTINUED
– Make an assessment of the current condition of the site.
– Justify why you did or did not change existing vegetation.
– Discuss conflicts and compromises.– How will you evaluate your success.
Things to Consider
Aesthetics : Does it make an attractive landscape? Arrangement: Is the food near cover, etc. Vertical habitat layers: grass, shrubs, trees Access and human traffic: trails, fences, etc. Timing: growth of vegetation, blooming or
fruiting season Plant characteristics: deciduous/ evergreen,
annual/ perennial
Training the Team
First must memorize the Urban Chart Organize a pattern or system for plan
development Practice writing using correct terminology Writing and drawing should be neat and legible Practice on a variety of urban sites Learn to work as a team and respect others
opinions
Everyone has an opinion…..
“Why did the chicken cross the road?”– Captain Kirk: To boldly go where no chicken has gone
before.– Einstein: It’s relative, the road actually moved under
the chicken.– Darwin: Over great periods of time, chickens have
been naturally selected to do this.– Cowboy: To prove to the armadillo that it could be
done!– Colonel Sanders: Golly, I missed one!