Integrative Biology

Habitat associations and abundance of Eastern Black Rails in Southeastern Colorado

The Eastern Black Rail (Laterallus jamaicensis jamaicensis), a federally threatened subspecies, is cryptic and difficult to study. Once observed across the Eastern United States, they currently occupy a few interior regions and are largely limited to coastal marshes. One of the most prominent interior regions is Southeastern Colorado. Here, we have a limited understanding of Eastern Black Rail habitat needs and population status. First, we used Eastern Black Rail's presence to better understand habitat associations. We found Eastern Black Rails are in areas with high marsh coverage, moist soil, and dense vegetation. Second, we estimated the abundance of Eastern Black Rails. We found high detection, occupancy, and abundance. Abundance increased with marsh coverage and vegetation height but decreased with marsh isolation. The results of this work will improve monitoring efforts and will allow for an improved understanding of management priorities in Southeastern Colorado.