Comparison of avian populations on unmined and reclaimed lands in Illinois

Avian populations were sampled in southwestern and west central Illinois on mined and unmined and reclaimed lands to evaluate the impact on these populations of the reclamation required by the Illinois Surface-Mined Land Reclamation and Conservation Act of 1971. Comparison of avifauna of each habitat type showed reclaimed lands held more individuals than the unmined fence row, cropland, oldfield and woodland; less density was noted on mined sites as compared to unmined hedge row, pond, streamside pasture, and edge habitats. Avian diversity indices on reclaimed land were lower than every unmined habitat type; however, reclaimed land populations appeared to be more diverse than cropland because of the value of water to migrating and nesting waterbirds. Therefore, habitat on pre-mine sites dominated by cropland appeared improved after reclamation because corn-soybean monocultures were replaced by less monotypic habitat interspersed with water. The avifauna of pre-mine sites where cropland was regularly interspersed with woodland or hedge rows, was negatively impacted by pasture-pond reclamation. Based upon comparison of avifauna populations on mined and unmined land and the potential for including habitat needs in reclamation plans, several development and management practices were identified.