Article
Impacts and management of duck-nest predation: the managers' view
Wildlife Society Bulletin
(2004)
Abstract
Nest predation impacts duck production and recruitment in many areas of North America. Yet little research has been conducted to evaluate beliefs of waterfowl managers about predation of duck nests or predation management strategies. We surveyed 176 waterfowl managers employed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state wildlife agencies to determine their beliefs about the impact of nest predation on duck populations and evaluate their use and perceptions of different predation management techniques. The overall survey response rate was 85% for USFWS and 92% for state managers. Managers believed predation was having a significant impact on duck-nest success. Over 64% of respondents reported that rates of nest success on their management units averaged <30% between 1996–2000. Concomitantly, most managers (93%) reported implementing >1 technique on their management area to reduce nest predation, but most techniques were rated as only somewhat effective. Habitat management (e.g., establishment of dense nesting cover), nesting structures, and lethal control (e.g., trapping) of predators were perceived as being the most effective methods to reduce nest predation. To successfully manage nest predation in the future, managers believed more information is needed about the impact of control techniques on nontarget species and some technical aspects of technique implementation.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2004
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2193/0091-7648(2004)032[0772:IAMODP]2.0.CO;2
Citation Information
Terry A. Messmer. "Impacts and management of duck-nest predation: the managers' view" Wildlife Society Bulletin Vol. 32 Iss. 3 (2004) p. 772 - 781 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/terry-messmer/238/