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                Auburn University - University Relations
                            (334) 844-9999
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8/22/95                 Mitch Emmons (emmonmb@mail.auburn.edu)

AU JOINS IN STUDY, PROTECTION EFFORT OF RARE BIRD AND PLANTS

      AUBURN -- Auburn University scientists are assisting in a 
collaborative effort to study and protect endangered species, including 
two rare plants and a bird that live in Alabama's coastal bogs.
      AU is working with the National Biological Service, International 
Paper Co., and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to provide data on two 
species of the pitcher plant and the Henslow's sparrow.
      The endangered sparrow is native to the northern United States, 
but winters in grassy bogs along the Gulf coast, says Nick Holler, a NBS 
scientist and a professor in AU's Department of Zoology and Wildlife 
Sciences.
      "Ironically, we've learned that these bogs where the Henslow's 
sparrow makes its winter nests, are also home to at least two species of 
the pitcher plant which also has declining populations," Holler said.
      The project is one of 21 chosen competitively nationwide from 
more than 400 to receive funds in 1995 as part of the NBS Species at Risk 
Initiative. NBS will provide $78,225 for the project through its 
cooperative research unit at AU.
      The NBS Species at Risk Initiative was established to develop 
scientific information on the status and trends of declining species and 
ecosystems, Holler said.
      The sites under study are located on International Paper lands in 
Baldwin County.
      Henslow's sparrows will be banded and their migration habits 
tracked to try to learn if they  return to the same wintering sites each 
year, or if they move extensively during the wintering period, Holler 
said. Researchers also will try to determine its winter food preferences 
and develop strategies for protecting habitat.
      "What we hope is to provide the scientific understanding and 
technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of 
species at risk," Holler said. "Ultimately, we'd like to know enough 
beforehand to keep these species from ever becoming endangered."  
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aug95:AU-endangered
CONTACT: Holler, 334/844-4850 (nholler@ag.auburn.edu)