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Pauline M. Bloom

Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Foundation Wetlands and Waterfowl Research Fellowship

Factors Affecting Mallard Duckling Survival in Western Canada: Implications for Conservation Planning

Department of Biology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK

Duckling survival is an important driver of mallard population dynamics, yet factors that affect survival rates are poorly understood. Enhanced understanding of these processes can assist waterfowl managers in “designing” landscapes to enhance duckling survival and hence, population growth rates. Pauline is examining sources of variation in mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) duckling survival, with emphasis on assessing possible effects of managed and remnant natural upland habitats. Her second objective tests the hypothesis that female mallards select brood habitats that result in higher survival of ducklings.

Theoretically, preferred habitats should be those where ducklings have higher survival rates, but this prediction has not been tested. Data were collected during the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture Assessment Study, an eight-year, 27-site, multi-province investigation conducted by Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research. Between 1993 and 2000, Ducks Unlimited Canada scientists collected information on 850 broods. Results obtained from this research will strongly contribute to waterfowl conservation and management planning.