Home
Central Alberta selected for waterfowl research
Oak Hammock , Man., April 19, 2007—Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is conducting research in four key study areas across the Canadian prairies this summer, including sites near the communities of St. Paul and Smoky Lake, Alta.
Researchers from DUC's science and research arm, the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research (IWWR), are conducting the research as part of a ten-year study to determine how nesting success of prairie waterfowl varies in relation to the landscape types of the prairie pothole region. Common prairie duck species such as mallard, blue-winged teal, gadwall, northern pintail, northern shoveler, canvasback and redhead are the focus of this research, known as the Spatial and Temporal Study (SPATS). This is the sixth year of data collection for the study. Previous Alberta study areas have included Consort, Medicine Hat, and Stettler, as well as locations in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
“Research is suggesting there is a positive relationship between waterfowl nesting success and the amount of perennial cover such as hayland, pasture, trees and shrubs on the landscape,” said Bob Emery, IWWR biologist and a supervisor of the study. “We’re trying to see if all types of perennial cover contribute equally to such a relationship, or are some cover types better than others.”
In addition to the Central Alberta study sites, the other SPATS areas this year are found in eastern, south-central and southern Saskatchewan. The researchers are getting good support from these local communities, Emery says. “Over 100 landowners gave us permission to access their land for this research.”
Within each study area, there are six study sites of 41 square kilometres each. Each site varies by the number of waterfowl pairs and area of perennial upland vegetation. About 25 researchers will be at these sites from now until August to search for duck nests, conduct waterfowl pair counts, and classify upland and wetland habitat.
Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. For nearly 70 years, DUC has been working with Alberta landowners who voluntarily participate in our programs.
Local media are invited to visit the Alberta study area.
To request an interview or get further information, contact:
Leigh Patterson
Corporate Media Relations Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (204) 467-3306
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca
