Study

Effects of nesting cover removal on breeding puddle ducks

  • Published source details Martz G.F. (1967) Effects of nesting cover removal on breeding puddle ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management, 31, 236-247.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Mow or cut natural grasslands

Action Link
Bird Conservation

Use prescribed burning on grasslands

Action Link
Bird Conservation
  1. Mow or cut natural grasslands

    A replicated and controlled study in between five and eight meadows in the Lower Souris National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota, USA, in 1961-1962 (Martz 1967), found that duck pair density (mainly blue-winged teal Anas discors and gadwall A. strepera) was 6% lower in three areas mown in August than in five control areas. This difference was not significant and gadwall mostly nested in unmanaged areas beside mowed meadows and blue-winged teal frequently nested in mowed meadows. Nest success did not differ significantly between mowed and unmown meadows. A total of 398 nests were surveyed.

     

  2. Use prescribed burning on grasslands

    A replicated and controlled study in meadows in North Dakota, USA (Martz 1967), in 1961 found that there were 38% fewer pairs of ducks in burned areas of meadow, compared to unburned areas. This study is discussed in more detail in ‘Mow natural grasslands’.

     

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