4-H-910

4-H-910

Wildlife managers often use aerial photographs to judge the quality of habitat for different wildlife species. Aerial photographs illustrate the relationship of the area a wildlife biologist is managing to neighboring habitats that are important to a species. An aerial photograph is one aid in the evaluation of habitat conditions. This booklet is a resource for anyone interested in learning how to evaluate the quality of a wildlife habitat from an aerial photograph. It will not make you an expert in photo interpretation, but it will help you learn more about wildlife as you learn to compare habitats using aerial photographs.

Brian Miller, Director, IL-IN Sea Grant College Program Natalie Carroll, Professor, Department You Development and Agricultural Education

by Cindie Brunner provided by Larry Theller, Geographic Information Systems Specialist

Much of the information in this booklet was adapted from the Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program National Manual. You can get a copy of this manual by visiting the Website www.whep.org. This site contains information about the National 4-H Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Contest. (Teams must win their state contest to qualify for the National contest). See the Indiana 4-H /FFA website for more information about the Indiana contest: https://extension.purdue.edu/4h/Pages/Career%20Development%20Events/Wildlife-Habitat-CDE.aspx,

Randy Dickson (Marshall County Extension); Warren Gartner (DNR Education Office); Jim Krejci (Tx2000, Purdue University); Brian MacGowan (Wildlife Specialist, Purdue University); Dave Osborne (Ripley County Extension); Mark Pochon (Property Manager, Hovey Lake Fish & Wildlife Area); Rick Podell (St. Joseph County Extension); Dean Zimmerman (DNR, Division of Fish and Wildlife)

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Evaluating Aerial Photos for Wildlife Habitat 4 Considerations

Habitat Concepts 4 Species Habitat Information 8

The Aerial Photographs Urban Area Habitat 12 Urban/Rural Interface Habitat 16 Approximately ½ Forested Habitat 20 Approximately ¼ Forested Habitat 25 Fragmented Land Habitat 30 Predominantly Agriculture Habitat 34 Predominantly Forested Habitat 38

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When evaluating wildlife habitat using an aerial photograph, you must interpret what you see. You are not simply viewing the photo, but rather participating in the art and science of identifying objects or conditions shown on the photograph to determine their value to a specific wildlife species. Aerial photos give a view of how the countryside looks from above, as you would see when flying in an airplane. For example, a silo appears round, buildings look like squares or rectangles, woods are rough, and fields are smooth. Hold aerial photographs so that any shadows fall toward you. Otherwise, valleys appear as ridges, and vice versa. All objects will appear small, but you can often determine what they are by observing their shape and comparing their size with the size of a known object. The following recognition elements, or features, will help you interpret what you see:

– Shapes can help you identify different elements. Fields are usually square, streams are narrow and generally meander, ponds are round, and reservoirs have a dam (flat side) at one end with a stream emerging from it. A long narrow feature that goes across roads and woodlands may be a power line, gas pipeline, or railroad track.

– Compare the relative size of the different elements in the photograph. Rivers are wider than ditches, and roads are wider than driveways.

– Patterns often help determine what is in a field. Crop fields will have patterns (rows) that are different from the patterns of pastures or forage fields. A cornfield may have a coarser texture than a wheat field.

– Shadows can help determine shapes and give an indication of size of an object.

(tone) – Shades of black and gray help to distinguish conifer trees (evergreens) from deciduous trees, or one field type of trees from another.

– A deciduous forest with large trees has a coarser texture than a young forest. A pasture with brush in it has a coarser texture than a clean pasture.

of one feature to another – A series of square ponds near a large barn may be a lagoon instead of a pond. A pond with irregular sides and those that are further from a barn are probably ponds.

– Looking where an object is located in relation to other features to gain an idea of what that object might be.

Note: The Habitat Concepts and Species Habitat Requirements sections were adapted from Wildlife Habitat Evaluation Program (WHEP) National Manual. See: www.whep.org, click on “National WHEP Manual.”

– Corridors are areas of continuous habitat that permit animals to travel between separate regions of similar habitats. Corridors allow animals to disperse to other areas

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where they can breed with other animals of the same species but from different populations. This helps maintain genetic diversity. Corridors also allow animals to find and use areas of suitable habitat for feeding. Therefore, corridors can offset the negative consequences of fragmentation. Streams and ravines are examples of urban area corridors that can allow wildlife to move into parks and other suitable urban habitats. Corridors may be wooded. Preservation, maintenance, and creation of uninterrupted corridors are very important in wildlife habitat management. Note, however, that narrow corridors (i.e. less than 100 yards wide) can be dangerous for many species because predators can more easily see the animals that use them.

– The area between two successional stages or habitat types is called edge. A balance of edge habitats with blocks of vegetation that are in one successional stage is desirable. Blocks of vegetation, 10 to 40 acres in size, provide a good balance of edge habitat (the narrow band of vegetation around the edge of the block) and unbroken sections of habitat (the interior of the block). Blocks of up to 100 acres in large forests may be desirable for species that prefer interior habitats.

– Fragmentation is the breaking up of tracts of habitat into smaller pieces. Roads, power line rights-of-way, building lots, parking lots, sub-divisions, and land cleared for agriculture can cause habitat fragmentation. These features may leave islands of habitat that are too small for some species, especially if there are no corridors between blocks of habitat.

– Home range is the size of area needed by a species to meet all its habitat requirements.

– Habitats with different successional stages or habitats within a landscape are interspersed. Many wildlife species require more than one successional stage or habitat type to meet all their needs (food, water, cover, and space). The required habitats must be close to each other or linked by corridors to allow for safe travel. In general, an increased amount of interspersion supports a greater variety of wildlife. Interspersion is measured using the "interspersion index" principle. You can compare different aerial photographs by calculating the interspersion index (i) for each photograph using the process given below:

• Count the number of times the habitat changes along an imaginary north-south line across the widest part of the area (x).

• Count along the widest east-west line (y). • Add the two values to determine the interspersion index (i = x + y). • Compare this value with the index calculated for other photographs

Higher interspersion indexes indicate better the habitat for quail, rabbits – wildlife species that like areas with high interspersion.

– Patch size requires comparison of habitat block or parcel sizes relative to each other and to species range requirements.

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– The type of vegetation that will occur in a specific area follows an orderly sequence until it reaches the final or “climax” stage. When not disturbed, the climax stage vegetation is stable and will remain the same for long periods of time. The different steps of this sequence are called Successional Stages. However, when humans or natural forces disturb the habitat succession it may be setback to an earlier stage. When this happens the habitat will move through the successional stages from the new starting point. Most wildlife species prefer a specific successional stage and some need large unbroken areas in a particular successional stage. The two common stages of plant succession that occur in Indiana are the Eastern Deciduous forest and wetlands successions. The wetland succession is for still water and doesn’t generally apply to constantly moving water. Succession proceeds slowly in wetlands with large amounts of deep water or a rocky bottom. Fluctuations in water level can cause final stages of this succession to regress to earlier stages. For instance, if a wetland in stage 3 of succession is flooded with deep water for a long period of time, the aquatic emergent vegetation may die leaving a wetland in stage or 2 of succession. The extent of this regression depends on the length of time the wetland is flooded with deep water, how much the water level changes, and the length of time that the present vegetation can survive in the changed water level. Consequently, management of water levels is an important tool in managing wetlands for wildlife habitat.

Indiana Successional Stages

Eastern Deciduous Forest 1. Bare ground 2. Annual forbs and grasses 3. Perennial forbs and grasses 4. Shrubs 5. Young woodland 6. Woodland

Wetlands 1. Deep water with little vegetation 2. Shallow water dominated by submerged and floating

aquatic vegetation 3. Very shallow water or wet ground dominated by any

variety of emergent aquatic vegetation 4. Ground becomes drier and upland vegetation similar to

the surrounding area becomes dominant

- an area of trees, shrubs, forbs, and grasses adjacent to streams, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Riparian buffers are important for providing habitat and protecting water quality in streams and wetlands. The recommended minimum width is 100 feet.

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Learning how to become proficient in photo interpretation takes time, training, and practice. As you gain proficiency, you will begin to recognize the relative size of different habitats, the arrangement of habitat features, and their relationship to neighboring habitats. You will also need to understand wildlife species' behavior and habitat requirements and be able to apply this knowledge to judge whether the habitat shown on one photo is better than the habitat shown in another photo. The following generalizations are a good place to start:

• A mix of field types is desirable for many species and smaller fields with less interior are usually preferred over large square fields with interiors that are a long way from edge or escape cover.

• When evaluating habitat for species primarily requiring woodland habitat, habitats with the largest unbroken blocks are best.

• If water and edge are required by the wildlife species you are considering, look for habitats containing the best interspersion of these elements with the woodland blocks.

• Travel corridors (fencerows, streams, water, railroads, ditchers, etc.) are often important so animals can move from one patch of habitat to another.

• If you are evaluating habitat for a species primarily requiring agricultural habitats, the same principles apply.

• Look for the best blocks of agricultural habitats with the best interspersion of other needed elements (water, edge, woods, or fencerows).

• An isolated block of habitat will not be as accessible as one that is connected to other blocks of habitat.

Comparing wildlife habitats by looking at photographs is challenging. Aerial photos are particularly useful because they give an overview of a large area of land that is usually not possible to see. This allows you to see many features that may affect wildlife. Aerial photographs illustrate the relationship of one area of habitat to the neighboring habitats that are important to a species. An aerial photograph is one aid in the evaluation of wildlife habitat conditions.

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AMERICAN KESTREL - Stages 2 and 3 of plant succession for feeding, and stages 4, 5, and 6 for nesting. Requires large open areas where adequate nesting sites are available. Obtains necessary water from diet and does not need water for drinking.

AMERICAN ROBIN - Urban settings with large open areas and nearby trees and shrubs. Parks, golf courses, and lawns in residential areas are favorites. Requires water daily in warm seasons. Can obtain water from yard irrigation, rain-filled gutters, low-lying areas, ponds, etc. Birdbaths and pans of water can be provided if needed. Do not place water in areas where cats and other pets can catch the birds.

BEAVER - Riparian areas in stages 4 and 5 of plant succession, and wetlands that have permanent water, with a variety of shrubs and trees adjacent to the water. Water should be at least 5 feet deep to allow free movement under ice in winter.

BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE - Stages 4, 5, and 6 of plant succession. Obtains necessary water from snow and surface water, usually in sufficient supply. In summer is attracted to watering facilities such as birdbaths in urban areas.

BLUEGILL - Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Requires an adequate quantity and quality of water.

BOBCAT - Occurs in a wide variety of habitats throughout the U.S., except for some areas in the northern Midwest states where intensive agriculture occurs or in areas lacking rugged or rocky mountainous terrain or extensive bogs and swamps. The bobcat prefers semi-open farmlands (stage 2 and 3), bushy areas (stage 4), heavily wooded uplands and bottomland forests (stage 5 and 6). Although water requirements are not well documented, is known to use freestanding water. Much of its water requirements may be met in its diet. Is nocturnal and is seldom active in the daytime.

BROAD-WINGED HAWK - Continuous dry woodlands of oaks, beeches, maples, and mixed coniferous-hardwoods around lakes, streams, and swamps. Stages 5 and 6 of woodland. Obtains necessary water from its diet.

BROWN THRASHER - Stages 3 and 4 of plant succession. Dense, woody vegetation associated with shrub thickets, hedgerows, shelterbelts, forest edges, riparian areas, and young forests. Water requirements are unknown.

BULLFROG - Inhabits permanent bodies of standing or slow-moving water. Prefers shorelines with dense vegetation (stages 3 and 4 of wetland succession), adjacent to shallow open water areas (stage 2) dominated by floating and submerged aquatic vegetation. All habitat requirements are often found in and around a single pond. Needs stable water levels for hibernation and egg development.

BUTTERFLY - In urban areas butterflies may be seen in gardens, yards, and parks planted with shrubs and flowers that attract butterflies. Often lays eggs on a specific kind of plant. Some butterflies gather on moist sand or mud around water puddles. Providing an area with water puddles may attract groups of them.

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CANADA GOOSE - (breeding habitat) Nests and rears young in or near stage 2 wetlands interspersed with some stage 3 wetlands. Wetlands containing 20 percent tall emergent aquatic vegetation and 80 percent open water are usually good habitat. Riparian areas adjacent to rivers also provide habitat.

COMMON NIGHTHAWK, LESSER NIGHTHAWK - Stage 1, bare ground for nesting. Stages 2 and 3 of plant succession interspersed with areas in stages 4 and 5 of plant succession. Areas such as grasslands, open woodlands, cities, and towns. Does not drink water often. Generally obtains ample water from its diet.

EASTERN BLUEBIRD - Stages 2 and 3 of plant succession interspersed with stages 5 and 6 vegetation. Obtains necessary water from diet, but will use other water sources when available.

EASTERN COTTONTAIL - Stages 3 and 4 of plant succession. Ideally, habitat components made up of 1/3 grassland, 1/3 cropland, and 1/3 shrub cover - interspersed. Also uses parks, golf courses, and stream corridors in urban areas. Obtains necessary water from diet.

EASTERN FOX SQUIRREL - Stages 5 and 6 of plant succession with interspersed small openings (stages 2 and 3 of plant succession). Riparian areas are important in the Midwest. Also uses urban areas with lots of trees. Water requirements are generally met by the food consumed. However, in late summer additional water may be required.

EASTERN GRAY SQUIRREL - Deciduous woodland in stages 5 and 6 of plant succession. Water requirements are generally met by the food consumed.

EUROPEAN STARLING – Prefers older urban residential areas with large trees and shrubs. Uses holes and cavities in large trees or old buildings. Requires water during warm seasons. (Note: Starlings were introduced to the United States from Europe and are considered pests since they are numerous and often out-compete native birds for available habitat. In such situations the management objectives may be to reduce the quality and quantity of available habitat. However, in the inner cities where there are few wildlife species, someone might manage for starlings as the only wildlife that exists.)

FROGS - Weeds and aquatic vegetation on the edges of ponds, lakes, and slow moving streams. Needs mud bottoms so it can bury itself to hibernate during the winter. Needs water to hide. Many kinds of frogs will dry up and die if their skin is not kept moist.

GREAT HORNED OWL - Occurs in a wide variety of forested habitats, mainly open woodlands of stages 5 and 6 of succession, interspersed with areas of stages 2, 3, and 4, including orchards, farm woodlots, and city parks. Obtains necessary water from its diet.

HAIRY WOODPECKER - Stages 4, 5, and 6 of plant succession are best habitat. Will use stage 3 in plant succession if areas with mature trees are nearby. Also uses wooded urban and riparian areas. Water is not a limiting concern, as it probably obtains necessary water from diet.

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HOUSE FINCH - Found in a wide variety of urban areas that have trees, shrubs, and some open areas. Not as abundant in inner cities. Requires water daily in warm seasons.

HOUSE SPARROW - This introduced species is found in a wide variety of urban categories that have buildings, trees, shrubs and some open areas. Requires water daily in warm seasons.

HOUSE WREN - Prefers older residential areas with large shrubs and trees. Obtains necessary water from its diet.

HUMMINGBIRD - Found in or near mixed woodlands and forests rich in flowering plants. Prefers stages 5 and 6 of plant succession mixed with areas in stages 2, 3, and 4. In urban settings, prefers areas with large trees and nearby flowering plants. Obtains necessary water from diet.

LARGEMOUTH BASS - Ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Requires an adequate quantity and quality of water.

MALLARD – Breeding Habitat - Nests in tall forb and grass vegetation, or in shrubby cover. Needs open water (stage 2 of wetland succession) with associated emergent aquatic vegetation (stage 3) to raise young. Winter Habitat - Wetlands with open water, harvested grain crops, and riparian areas with open water. Needs water for resting and shallow water where aquatic vegetation can grow.

MINK - Prefers habitat associated with stream and river banks and the shores of wetlands.

MOURNING DOVE - Stages 2 and 3 of plant succession with some shrubs and trees nearby. Often uses agriculture areas for feeding. Small areas of bare ground are also beneficial. Requires water daily. Prefers shorelines and banks without vegetation.

MUSKRAT - Stages 2 and 3 wetlands interspersed (mixed) together. Needs water of sufficient depth (4 feet) or flowing water that allows free movement under ice during the winter. During warm seasons, prefers water, 1 - 2 feet deep, with around 20 percent of the wetland habitat comprised of open water free of emergent aquatic vegetation.

NORTHERN BOBWHITE - Stages 2, 3, and 4 of plant succession interspersed. Ideally, habitat components are made up of 1/4 grassland, 1/2 cropland, 1/8 shrub cover, and 1/8 woodland. Does not require free-standing water, although water is beneficial in arid regions.

NORTHERN FLICKER - Open areas in stages 2 and 3 of plant succession interspersed with areas of stages 5 and 6 of plant succession. Often found in riparian and urban areas. Prefers older urban residential areas with large trees, golf courses, and parks. Not much is known about daily water requirements, but probably obtains sufficient water from its diet.

OVENBIRD - Associated with stages 5 and 6 of plant succession. Lives on, or very near, the ground. Usually obtains necessary water from diet, but will use other water sources when available.

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RACCOON - Most abundant near water, riparian areas, and lands adjacent to wetlands. Also found in urban areas. Prefers areas interspersed with different successional stages. Riparian areas in stages 5 and 6 of plant succession are ideal. Requires water frequently during warm seasons.

RAINBOW TROUT - Cold-water lakes, ponds, and fast-moving streams, and rivers. Needs high-quality water.

REDHEAD DUCK - Stage 2 wetlands for most activities. Usually nests in emergent aquatic vegetation associated with stage 3 wetlands that are adjacent to stage 2 wetlands.

RED-TAILED HAWK - Open areas (stages 2 and 3 of plant succession) interspersed with trees (stages 4, 5, and 6 of plant succession). Often perches in single trees in open areas. Obtains necessary water from diet.

RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD - (Breeding Habitat) Stage 3 wetlands dominated with emergent aquatic vegetation. Frequents areas associated with water.

RING-NECKED PHEASANT - Stage 2 and 3 of plant succession interspersed with cropland used for grain crops. Uses water in warm seasons when available, but a lack of water is usually is not a limiting factor.

ROCK DOVE (PIGEON) - In urban areas prefers large buildings and nearby parks and open areas. Requires water frequently in warm seasons, but usually can fly far enough to find water.

RUFFED GROUSE - Stages 4, 5, and 6 of plant succession. Optimum habitat includes all three stages interspersed in close proximity. Obtains necessary water from diet.

SONG SPARROW - Open areas of stages 2 and 3 with nearby shrubs and small areas of stages 5 and 6. Often nests along forest edges. Requires frequent water in warm seasons.

WHITE-TAILED DEER - Stages 3, 4, and 5 of plant succession all interspersed together. Drinks water when it is available, but can go for long periods without water.

WILD TURKEY - One-third to 2/3 of range in stages 5 and 6 of plant succession interspersed with areas in stages 3 and 4 of plant succession. Usually nest within 1/2 mile of available water. Will use free-standing water when available.

WOOD DUCK - Stage 5 woodlands flooded with water, and open water adjacent to stage 5 and 6 woodlands. Or, stage 3 and 4 wetlands dominated by trees adjacent to stage 2 wetlands.

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Some wildlife species can find the habitat that they need in urban areas, found in the open spaces between houses or commercial properties. When judging photos for a particular urban species, you must first know the specific habitat requirements for that species then determine which photo has the habitat that most closely fit those requirements. When looking at the photos, you should ask: 1) Do the size and number of patches of trees or shrubs meet your species' habitat needs? 2) Can your species move from one patch of habitat to another? 3) Is there a way for the species you are judging to move into the urban habitat from

surrounding more natural areas (along a river, railway, a greenway, or because the urban area is directly adjacent to natural areas)?

4) Are there hazards from urban areas that may affect the target species? (i.e. high traffic flow that may cause collisions with wildlife or prevent movement, large numbers of dogs or cats from the residential area, etc.)

This photo shows several patches of water providing habitat for aquatic species. There are some patches of farm ground and forest land north of the urban area providing habitat for reproduction. This provides a source of wildlife that can move into urban areas (i.e. raccoons, songbirds, opossum). The interstate highway poses a barrier/hazard to many species and may impair movement. Some wildlife habitat exists within the most urbanized portion shown in this photo.

The largest source of natural habitat is shown on the western edge of the photo. A divided highway poses a barrier/hazard to movement from this area. The urban area is more intensively developed than what is shown in the previous photo (U1), favoring only those species able to survive in densely populated areas.

This photo shows a river providing habitat for aquatic species and a travel corridor for those species needing to move from one area to another. The area to the northeast has more pavement and less forest cover than the residential area in the south-central part of the photo which provides habitat (trees and shrubs) for many urban species.

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This series of photos illustrates urbanized areas adjacent to areas of natural habitat. The differences in these photos are in the following characteristics:

1) Density of developed areas. 2) The ratio of pavement to forest cover in the areas. 3) The amount of natural cover for the target species in the undeveloped areas. 4) The ease of movement from one patch of cover to another.

Both forested and agricultural habitats are adjacent to the developed urban area. Some water exists in the southeast portion of the photo. Most of the wooded habitat is connected. The farm fields in the southwest corner are continuous over most of the area. Therefore, fairly large blocks of both forests and agricultural land provide ample area for species requiring larger blocks of habitat (deer, turkey, fox, etc.). The railroad (northwest corner to the south-central section and running along the southern part of the site) provides a travel corridor for wildlife moving from the rural to the urban area.

The northeast corner of this photo shows a river providing habitat for aquatic species and water for other types of wildlife. A large portion of the habitat shown in this photo is composed of connected woodlands with a stream running through. The urban area in the northwest has a moderate amount of connected forest and open lands interspersed throughout. The southwest corner has a secondary riparian zone running southwest to northeast, connecting this corner to the large block of habitat on the eastern side of the photo. Therefore, fairly large blocks of both forests and agricultural land provide ample area for species requiring larger blocks of habitat (deer, turkey, fox, etc.). The divided highway may pose a barrier/hazard to some species.

Urban development is limited in this photo. The photo is dominated by agricultural and wooded areas that are connected with a fair amount of interspersion. The other two photos in the series would provide species requiring urban habitat (starlings, pigeons, gray squirrels, etc.) more favorable conditions. One stream and several ponds provide habitat for aquatic species.

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This series of photos represents landscapes that contain a balance of agricultural and forested areas. The primary difference between the photos is the size and configuration of the various habitat components. When judging these photos, students need to assess which patch sizes and interspersions (connections between two or more habitat types) are most beneficial to the target species.

Block sizes of both forest and agricultural land are fairly large. Edges are straight, providing a minimum of edge and fragmentation. This favors species that do not require edge or species that prefer interior habitats. The large, continuous ag fields may inhibit movement of some species of wildlife requiring forested habitat. The interior of the fields will not be utilized by wildlife requiring escape cover and edge habitat because of the distance to the nearest patch of cover

This photo shows more edge between forested and agricultural habitats than the previous example (HF1). A stream and several ponds provide habitat for aquatic species and drinking water for others. Blocks of timber and agricultural lands are fairly large and are connected by strips of woody vegetation (providing shelter). Species can easily travel from one block of habitat to another. This photo also shows more rugged terrain than the other photos in this series.

Most of the forested areas are located in the southern and eastern parts shown in the photo. Agricultural land is interspersed around the forested area, providing a fair amount of edge between the two habitat types. This photo also shows some rough terrain and the largest body of water in this series, providing good habitat for aquatic species and providing drinking water for other species.

The habitat in this photo is bisected by a divided highway and an urban area. Species requiring little human disturbance would be less favored in this photo compared to the previous three. Land and human-made features make it more difficult for species to move from east to west in the habitat shown on this photo.

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The habitat in this series of photos is predominantly agricultural with some forested cover. Most patches of forest cover are linear (following streams or ditches) and narrow. This arrangement favors species requiring edge and/or corridors to travel throughout agricultural land, although the corridors are so narrow that they expose some species to a higher risk of predation. The primary difference between photos lies in the following:

1) Width and length of forest patches. 2) The degree to which forested strips are connected. 3) The nature of the agricultural land (size of forests, amount of grass vs. crops). 4) The amount of streams or ponds.

Strips of timber are very narrow but most are connected. Timber reaches throughout most of the agricultural land. A few ponds are present in the southwest corner of the habitat shown in this photo.

Strips of timber are wider than in the previous photo but forested connections (corridors) do not exist between them. Agricultural fields on the west half are large and unbroken, making them less desirable to edge-loving species. The interiors of these areas will not be used by species requiring escape cover. In addition, many wildlife species will not be able to move across these fields in the winter when no cover is present.

Blocks of timber are larger than those shown in the previous two photos. Corridors reach from these blocks into the farmland making it easier for species to access the farmland and to move through it. But the narrowness of the corridors exposes species to the risk of predation.

Strips of timber are much larger than those shown in the previous photos and are connected. Fields are smaller, providing a high degree of edge. Several ponds adjacent to forest patches are available to wildlife. Species requiring forested habitat can move throughout the habitat shown in this photo. Species utilizing agricultural fields but requiring escape cover can utilize most of the fields. This photo shows more pond habitat than the other photos in this series.

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This series of photos represents fragmented forested landscapes. Patches of forest cover tend to be more square which limits the amounts of edge. Connectivity between patches may also be limited. The distinguishing characteristics of these photos will be:

1) The size of forest and/or agricultural blocks. 2) Connectivity between the blocks of habitat types. 3) The amount of aquatic habitat.

Agricultural lands are interspersed with both forest patches and some urban development in the southeast portion of the habitat shown in this photo. Minimal water is present, and patches are connected by narrow fence row habitats. Although narrow, more corridors are present than is seen in the other photos in this series. Agricultural blocks are large, making it difficult for wildlife requiring escape cover to use the interior of the fields.

Forested blocks shown on the western half of the photo are small and disconnected. Blocks of agricultural land are relatively large with minimal edge, making it difficult for wildlife requiring edge to use the interior. The small forested patches on the eastern side of the habitat shown in this photo are small and isolated from the larger timber block on the western side. This makes it difficult for wildlife to travel from one patch to another.

The size of blocks of forested cover is about the same as in the photo FL2. Few patches are connected, and large distances exist between patches. This makes it difficult for wildlife to travel from one patch to another. Field types and sizes are slightly more variable than those shown in the previous photo, providing more agricultural edge and diversity.

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This series of photos represents habitat that is predominantly agricultural. Timber cover is very limited. Primary differences are the following:

1) The size and diversity of field types (grass vs. row crops). 2) The amount of aquatic habitat. 3) The amount and configuration of forested acreage.

This photo shows the most wooded acreage in the series. Some connectivity exists between forest patches. A few ponds are present, and the number of farmsteads is very low. Species favoring forested habitats would do best in this habitat.

This photo shows little diversity in crop type, so very little escape cover or agricultural edge is available. Almost no forested acres are present and the photo shows the highest density of farmsteads in this series of photos. Species requiring escape cover and edge would not be able to use most of the fields in the photo. A ditch runs along the east edge of the habitat shown in this photo, providing some water but minimal escape travel cover.

Two ditches provide some habitat for aquatic species. Field types are mixed, and sizes are smaller than in the previous photo (HA2), providing a greater diversity of agricultural edge. Grassland species can utilize the cover in the narrow ditch banks. This photo shows twice as much ditch cover as that shown in the previous photo.

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This series of photos shows habitat that is predominantly forested. Small patches of agricultural lands are present, with various degrees of edge. This series of photos shows habitat that favors species requiring forest acreage. Differences between photos will be:

1) The amount of water present. 2) The types of fields (grass vs. row crops). 3) The distance between openings provided by agricultural fields. 4) The amount of conifer cover (dark wooded areas).

Fields are concentrated on the east side of the habitat shown in this photo and run across the middle. Short distances between fields provides a good mix of forest and agricultural land for species requiring both. A country road bisects the habitat shown providing a slight barrier to travel and disturbance for some species. A corridor (powerline or pipeline) runs north - south on the west side of the habitat shown, providing some edge and early successional habitat.

Some conifer cover is present and linear edge habitat is provided by two utility rights-of-way. Most of the agricultural fields are concentrated in the north-central portion of the habitat shown in this photo. Human activity (houses and buildings) is concentrated in the center of the area shown leaving large areas to the southwest and northeast with little human or domestic pet (dogs and cats) disturbance. Fields have irregular edges providing lots of interspersion.

This photo shows the most forested habitat with the least disturbance. Virtually no row crops appear in this photo. There are minimal amounts of grassland habitat. The habitat shown in this photo favors species requiring dense forested areas with minimal edge. Some confer cover exists, and the habitat is divided into ridges and valleys running from north to south and providing easy travel lanes for many species.

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Revised February, 2017 (Original, 2000)

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