Landscape effects on mallard habitat selection at multiple spatial scales during the non-breeding period

Landscape Ecology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Previous studies that evaluated effects of landscape-scale habitat heterogeneity on migratory waterbird distributions were spatially limited and temporally restricted to one major life-history phase. However, effects of landscape-scale habitat heterogeneity on long-distance migratory waterbirds can be studied across the annual cycle using new technologies, including global positioning system satellite transmitters. We used Bayesian discrete choice models to examine the influence of local habitats and landscape composition on habitat selection by a generalist dabbling duck, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), in the midcontinent of North America during the non-breeding period. Using a previously published empirical movement metric, we separated the non-breeding period into three seasons, including autumn migration, winter, and spring migration. We defined spatial scales based on movement patterns such that movements >0.25 and <30.00 km were classified as local scale and movements >30.00 km were classified as relocation scale. Habitat selection at the local scale was generally influenced by local and landscape-level variables across all seasons. Variables in top models at the local scale included proximities to cropland, emergent wetland, open water, and woody wetland. Similarly, variables associated with area of cropland, emergent wetland, open water, and woody wetland were also included at the local scale. At the relocation scale, mallards selected resource units based on more generalized variables, including proximity to wetlands and total wetland area. Our results emphasize the role of landscape composition in waterbird habitat selection and provide further support for local wetland landscapes to be considered functional units of waterbird conservation and management.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Landscape effects on mallard habitat selection at multiple spatial scales during the non-breeding period
Series title Landscape Ecology
DOI 10.1007/s10980-014-0035-x
Volume 29
Issue 6
Year Published 2014
Language English
Publisher Spring Netherlands
Publisher location Dordrecht, Netherlands
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 12 p.
First page 989
Last page 1000
Time Range Start 2010-09-01
Time Range End 2011-12-31
Country Canada, United States
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
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