Current efforts to conserve plover populations include building wire fences around their nests and making certain beaches off-limits to people during plover breeding season. Explain why making certain beaches off-limits during plover breeding season is a more effective conservation method than building fences around plover nests. (2 points)(2 points)
Making certain beaches off-limits during plover breeding season is a more effective conservation method than building fences around plover nests for the following reasons:
1. Protection of entire breeding grounds: By closing certain beaches during the plover breeding season, the entire area can be protected, ensuring that plovers have suitable nesting habitat and reducing disturbances. This approach considers the overall needs of the species, as plovers require a safe and undisturbed environment for successful breeding. Fences, on the other hand, only protect individual nests, leaving the rest of the beach vulnerable to disturbances.
2. Minimization of human interference: By restricting access to certain beaches, the risk of human interference is significantly reduced. Humans may unintentionally disturb or damage plover nests, eggs, or chicks by trampling on them or by bringing pets or recreational activities into the nesting area. Entire beach closures ensure that humans do not inadvertently disturb plover populations during their sensitive breeding period. Fences, although useful for protecting individual nests from some human interference, cannot prevent all forms of disturbance.
Overall, making certain beaches off-limits during plover breeding season provides a more comprehensive and effective approach to conserve plover populations by protecting their entire breeding grounds and minimizing human interference. It allows plovers to nest and rear their chicks without unnecessary disturbances, thereby increasing their chances of successful reproduction and long-term population conservation.