| Abstract: | Population estimates for long-tailed ducks in North America have declined by nearly 50% over the past 30 years. Life history and population dynamics of this species are difficult to ascertain, because the birds nest at low densities across a broad range of habitat types. Between 1991 and 2004, we collected information on productivity and survival of long-tailed ducks at three locations on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Clutch size averaged 7.1 eggs, and nesting success averaged 30%. Duckling survival to 30 days old averaged 10% but was highly variable among years, ranging from 0% to 25%. Apparent annual survival of adult females based on mark-recapture of nesting females was estimated at 74%. We combined these estimates of survival and productivity into a matrix-based population model, which predicted an annual population decline of 19%. Elasticities indicated that population growth rate (λ) was most sensitive to changes in adult female survival. Further, the relatively high sensitivity of λ to duckling survival suggests that low duckling survival may be a bottleneck to productivity in some years. These data represent the first attempt to synthesize a population model for this species. Although our analyses were hampered by the small sample sizes inherent in studying a dispersed nesting species, our model provides a basis for management actions and can be enhanced as additional data become available. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70003503 |
| Citation Author: | Schamber, Jason L.; Flint, Paul L.; Grand, J. Barry; Wilson, Heather M.; Morse, Julie A. |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB |
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| Citation End Page: | 200 |
| Citation Issue: | 2 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Arctic |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 11 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | Arctic Institute of North America |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Population dynamics of long-tailed ducks breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska; 2009; Article; Journal; Arctic; Schamber, Jason L.; Flint, Paul L.; Grand, J. Barry; Wilson, Heather M.; Morse, Julie A. |
| Citation Start Page: | 190 |
| Citation Volume: | 62 |
| Citation Year: | 2009 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Population dynamics of long-tailed ducks breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska; 2009; Article; Journal; Arctic; Schamber, Jason L.; Flint, Paul L.; Grand, J. Barry; Wilson, Heather M.; Morse, Julie A. |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| URL (INDEX PAGE): | http://arctic.synergiesprairies.ca/arctic/index.php/arctic/article/view/131 |
| Date Other: | Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00 -0500 |
| Publisher: | Arctic Institute of North America |
