Changes in land use in eastern Kansas, 1984–2000

Populations of ring-necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), cottontails (Sylvilagus sp.), greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido), and black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), have been declining in eastern Kansas for 40 years. During the same timeframe populations of wild turkey (Melagris gallopavo) and tree squirrels (Sciurus sp.) have increased. We measured change in land use based on Landsat Thematic Mapper images for spring, summer, and fall of 1984, 1992, and 2000. Open water (lakes, watershed ponds) and woodland increased 17% and 23% respectively during the 16 year period. Cropland declined 6% during the 16-year period. Grassland increased < 1% due to CRP, and urbanization permanently removed 26% of all other land uses in the study area. Loss of open land habitat due to increases in woodland, open water, and urbanization has modified habitat for brushland and grassland species such as ring-necked pheasant, northern bobwhite, cottontails, greater prairie-chicken, and black-tailed jackrabbit. At the same time, the increase in woodland area along with increases in timber volume have created additional habitats for wild turkey and squirrels.