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Avian life history profiles for use in the Markov chain nest productivity model (MCnest)
Citation:
Bennett, R. AND M. Etterson. Avian life history profiles for use in the Markov chain nest productivity model (MCnest). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-14/009, 2014.
Impact/Purpose:
The goal is to increase consistency among model users by providing a database of default life history profiles developed using consistent approaches for selecting parameter values. The MCnest user can choose a default life history profile from the list of species available in the database, modify an existing profile, or create a new species profile by providing all of the input parameter values
Description:
The Markov Chain nest productivity model, or MCnest, quantitatively estimates the effects of pesticides or other toxic chemicals on annual reproductive success of avian species (Bennett and Etterson 2013, Etterson and Bennett 2013). The Basic Version of MCnest was developed as a generalized model requiring a limited number of life history parameters that can be applied to a broad range of species with limited life history data. Also, the model treats avian nesting in a manner consistent with the way in which nesting parameters are typically estimated in the field, thus reducing the potential for currency mismatch between the model and available ecological data for the species of interest. The suite of life history parameters is used to describe the typical series of events during a breeding season of a species. The database of life history parameters is being developed specifically for use in the Basic Version of MCnest, and the content of the database reflects the specific needs of the model. This document describes the approach used in creating a database of default life history profiles for various avian species and an initial list of life history profiles. The goal is to increase consistency among model users by providing a database of default life history profiles developed using consistent approaches for selecting parameter values. The MCnest user can choose a default life history profile from the list of species available in the database, modify an existing profile, or create a new species profile by providing all of the input parameter values