Benefits of rotational grazing and dense nesting cover for island-nesting waterfowl in southern Quebec
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Published source details
Lapointe S., Giroux J.F.O. & Belanger L. (2000) Benefits of rotational grazing and dense nesting cover for island-nesting waterfowl in southern Quebec. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 78, 261-272.
Published source details Lapointe S., Giroux J.F.O. & Belanger L. (2000) Benefits of rotational grazing and dense nesting cover for island-nesting waterfowl in southern Quebec. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 78, 261-272.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Employ grazing in artificial grasslands/pastures Action Link |
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Plant wild bird seed or cover mixture Action Link |
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Exclude grazers from semi-natural habitats Action Link |
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Employ grazing in artificial grasslands/pastures
A small before-and-after study from May-July in 1992-1994 in river islands in Quebec, Canada (Lapointe et al. 2000), found that the number of dabbling ducks Anas spp. nesting in the area had increased from 143 to 263 nests following the establishment of rotational grazing and dense nesting cover (see ‘Plant wild bird seed or cover mixture’). However, fewer nests than expected by an even distribution across habitats were found in unimproved or improved pasture in 1993. More nests than expected were found in unimproved and fewer than expected in improved pasture in 1994. Nests on improved pasture had significantly lower success than those in other habitats (15% success of 39 nests vs. 47-82% elsewhere), with 33% being trampled. Nests on unimproved pasture had similar success rates (68% of 71 nests) to other habitats. Nesting densities were no higher on grazed pastures areas than other habitat types, and were lower than on areas seeded with dense nesting cover see (‘Plant wild bird seed or cover mixture’).
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Plant wild bird seed or cover mixture
A small before-and-after study from May-July in 1992-1994 in river islands in Quebec, Canada (Lapointe et al. 2000), found that the number of dabbling ducks Anas spp. nesting in the study area increased from 143 to 263 nests, following the establishment of dense nesting cover and rotational grazing (see ‘Graze semi-natural habitats’). Density of nests on fields seeded with dense nesting cover in 1993 as higher than other habitats in 1994 (7 nests/ha vs. 1.1-2.8 nests/ha for other habitats). Nesting success in seeded fields was also higher (82% success for 64 nests) than in improved pastures (15% for 39 nests).
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Exclude grazers from semi-natural habitats
A small controlled study from May-July in 1992-4 in river islands in Quebec, Canada (Lapointe et al. 2000), found that, in 1993, more duck nests than expected by an even distribution were found in idle fields, from which cattle were excluded, whilst fewer than expected were found on improved or unimproved pasture. In 1994, unimproved pasture held more than expected as well, but improved pasture held fewer. Nests on improved pasture had significantly lower success than those in other habitats (15% success of 39 nests vs. 47-82% elsewhere), with 33% being trampled. Nesting densities were no higher on idle areas than other habitat types.
