Effectiveness of Shelterbelts In Improving Microclimatic Conditions for Pheasants In Eastern South Dakota

To evaluate wintering habitat for ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus), this study compared microclimate regimes , as determined by wind and temperature, between shelterbelts containing 1 or 2 rows of coniferous tree species with shelterbelts comprised entirely of deciduous tree species and between wetland and shelterbelt habitats. Maximum temperatures within both shelterbelt types, particularly deciduous shelterbelts, were cooler than outside ambient air temperature during summer. Throughout November, December, and January, minimum temperatures in coniferous shelterbelts types were significantly (P≤0.04) warmer than deciduous shelterbelt types. Effectiveness of shelterbelts in reducing wind velocity decreased from an average of 71% during summer to 28% during winter. Horizontal vegetation density at roost sites in wetlands was significantly (P=0.001) more dense than that found in shelterbelts. Wind velocity at roost sites in wetlands was reduced 95% more than that found in shelterbelts. Management implications concerning design of shelterbelts for improving microclimatic conditions for pheasants during winter are discussed.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS)

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Year

1985

Author dc:creator

• Schneider, Todd Matthew

• Natural Resources and Conservation

Statement dc:rights

• <p>No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only<br /><a href="http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/">http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/</a></p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/etd/222

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:openprairie.sdstate.edu:etd-1222