Conservation objectives for birds along California’s Central Valley rivers

What is it about?

Together with Central Valley Joint Venture partners, we defined a long-term conservation goal of riparian ecosystems (rivers and their surrounding habitat) in California's Central Valley that are capable of supporting self-sustaining and resilient bird populations. Birds are excellent indicators of ecosystem condition, and many are dependent on riparian vegetation during the breeding season, so the status of riparian bird populations should reflect the overall condition of these ecosystems in the Central Valley. Using recent bird survey data, we found that most of these species currently have fairly small populations, making their populations more vulnerable to threats like invasive species or extended droughts. To guide habitat restoration and management plans, we estimated the number of acres of additional habitat and average breeding densities that would be needed for the total population sizes of these birds to be considered self-sustaining and resilient.

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Why is it important?

Central Valley rivers and their riparian (or floodplain) vegetation provide important habitat for wildlife, fish, and quality of life in the Central Valley, such as improving water quality, recharging groundwater, and attracting wildlife watchers who help support local economies. Yet over 90% of the historical riparian vegetation has been lost and these ecosystem services have been limited by dams, levees, changes to river flows, and conversion to agricultural and urban development. Our paper provides an estimate of how much habitat restoration and enhancement would be enough to ensure that riparian bird populations are self-sustaining and resilient, which would in turn improve the overall condition of riparian ecosystems, and restore many of the benefits these important ecosystems provide.