Indicator species, health of community returning

[Gloria]

Every species, every action makes a difference. The health and vigor of some species act as an indicator of the return of function to the community as a whole.
Removing a couple of dams on the river quickly brought back the salmon. Researchers watched as other species quickly rebounded as well.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...1228124655.htm

Tonra and his colleagues studied the American dipper, a bird set apart by its unusual feeding style. Dippers, which are equipped with a transparent second eyelid (think water goggles for birds), dive below the river's surface and walk the riverbed scouring the rocky floor for meals, mostly aquatic insects in their larval stage. They also eat some small fish, including juvenile salmon when they're available.

The research team watched for multiple attempts to breed and an inclination to stay in the nesting area year-round, and tracked what type of food was delivered to nestlings.
The birds with salmon access had more marine-derived nutrients and were 20 times more likely to attempt multiple broods. They were 13 times more likely to stay year-round and had an annual adult survival rate that was 11 percent higher than their salmon-deprived peers.

[dapjwy]

I love to hear good news--how inspiring that small changes can have such large implications. It is nice to think that with how many different species of natives we are all adding that the benefits are greater than we imagine.

[havalotta]

Wonderful news!
In our area, they are in the process of adding a ladder alongside our dam for the sturgeon to travel upriver like they have since time began.

[Gloria]

There are so many good projects involving wetlands and waterways. Here is a video of just one of many such projects in the Chicago area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=E6sz78NvV1U