[Pollinator] Roads and pollinators - again

[Lucy_Jordan@fws.gov]

With respect to the various comments I am getting, specifically from Chip
Taylor, is anyone doing studies to determine whether roadside refugia
serve as  sources or sinks for pollinator or beneficial insect populations,
given the inevitable mortality?  It would be helpful to know whether the
mortality is more than compensated by fecundity.  It would also be helpful
to associate that with road capacity/size and traffic use and patterns.

Also, we need to know which ROW management practices help or hurt species.
For example, many roadways here in Utah are mowed in late June or early
July.  Is that ok?  Or does not increase mortality, cause loss of
reproductive output, make habitat unsuitable?

On another note, if we improve these areas for pollinators, does that
result in an increase in mortality of birds that might use the habitat or
might feed on the insects?

Roads are really lethal.  We need to know whether, and under what
conditions, it is beneficial or detrimental to manage them for wildlife.

Lucy


Dr. Lucy A. Jordan
Fish & Wildlife Biologist
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Utah Ecological Services Office
2369 W. Orton Circle (2300 South), Suite 50
West Valley City, Utah 84119
Phone:     (801) 975-3330
Fax:         (801) 975-3331
email:       lucy_jordan at fws.gov

Experience is that marvelous thing that enables you to recognize a mistake
when you make it again.