SENR Honors Thesis Presentation: Effects of Honeysuckle

An SENR Honors Thesis presentation will be held Tusday, Apr. 16, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. in 245 Kottman Hall. Carolyn Wenner will present Effects of Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) Management on Avian Diversity and Abundance.

Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) is an invasive shrub that is found in many parts of Ohio and grows well in Ohio’s forest ecosystems. This study attempted to assess the effect of treating honeysuckle on avian diversity and abundance. How the treatment of invasive species effects native species of birds is important because it can help to preserve threatened species or assist managers in making habitat management decisions. The honeysuckle was chemically treated and left to break down naturally. The birds were grouped into three different guilds: ground nesting species, shrub nesting species, and fruit eating species. The effects of treatment were found as well as the important vegetation characteristics for each guild. Weak evidence was found to show that treating honeysuckle had a positive effect on the abundance of birds in some species guilds. However, the vegetation characteristics of the plot were also very important in determining the bird species richness and abundance.