Spectrum News: UC study provides window into woodpecker's world
UC geography student says maintaining wooded corridors helps animals survive in fragmented habitat
Spectrum News highlighted a geography study at the University of Cincinnati that examined the unique habitat needs of pileated woodpeckers in southwest Ohio.
UC College of Arts and Sciences Professor Susanna Tong and doctoral student Ruijia Hu compared 10 years of pileated woodpecker sightings with geographic data identifying the mature wooded habitat the birds prefer.
Pileated woodpeckers are the largest woodpeckers in North America.
They prefer mature woodlands with dead timber that conceals grubs and other preferred food.
While they are listed today as a species of least concern, that hasn't always been the case. The birds declined across the United States as mature forest was cut down for agriculture.
The researchers concluded that the woodpeckers can survive in increasingly fragmented urban forests if there are wooded corridors that help them get from patch to patch.
“For nesting, pileated woodpeckers would like maple trees, hickory trees, and oak trees,” Hu said. “And they really need mature trees to make the nest.”
Hu presented her findings this year to the American Association of Geographers’ conference in Denver.
Featured image at top: UC geography student Ruijia Hu, left, and Professor Susanna Tong look for pileated woodpeckers in Burnet Woods. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Senior peer career coaches graduate with resumes ready
April 17, 2021
Profiles three senior peer career coaches in the University of Cincinnati's Bearcat Promise Career Studio
UC students recognized for achievement in undergraduate research
April 12, 2021
Undergraduate student researchers in sciences and humanities recognized in 2021
2021 University Recognition Ceremony honors student achievements
April 13, 2021
The University of Cincinnati recognizes students each year who have made significant service, leadership, and academic contributions to the UC community. These students exemplify the spirit of what it means to be a Bearcat.