Committee Chair
Aborn, David A.
Committee Member
Boyd, Jennifer N.; Klug, Hope M.
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Publisher
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Place of Publication
Chattanooga (Tenn.)
Abstract
Invasive species exist outside of their native ranges and can cause environmental harm where they have been introduced. One such species is kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata), an invasive vine in the southeastern U.S. Although kudzu is one of the most common invasive species management concerns in the Southeast, there is little quantitative data documenting its effects on native species. This study examines the seasonal correlations between kudzu and avian species diversity and relative abundance in Hamilton County, Tennessee. By measuring the characteristics of the overstory, midstory, and understory vegetation at sites with differing levels of kudzu coverage, I examined correlations between kudzu density and avian demographics. Kudzu coverage had a significant negative impact on avian diversity and species richness, as well as on native vegetation. Kudzu’s alteration of vegetation structure, through the creation of a monoculture and subsequent reduction of structural diversity, was likely the cause of reduced avian diversity and richness due to a decrease in the availability of structurally oriented guilds.
Degree
M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.
Date
12-2013
Subject
Species diversity
Location
Hamilton County (Tenn.)
Discipline
Environmental Sciences
Document Type
Masters theses
DCMI Type
Text
Extent
xii, 72 leaves
Language
English
Rights
https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/
Recommended Citation
Hudson, Amelia, "Seasonal correlations between Pueraria montana var. lobata and avian species diversity and relative abundance in Hamilton County, Tennessee" (2013). Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.
https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/82
Department
Dept. of Biological and Environmental Sciences