Health evaluation of western arctic King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis)

Journal of Wildlife Diseases
By: , and 

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Abstract

The western arctic population of King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis) has declined by >50% in recent years. A health assessment was conducted for adult King Eiders breeding on the north slope of Alaska, USA, to evaluate body condition (n=90, 2002–2006) and baseline biochemical and hematologic values (n=20–30, 2005–2006). Body condition for males and females was excellent. Total protein, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, amylase, and globulin were significantly higher in females than in males, likely because of differences in reproductive physiology. These baseline health data can be used to promote conservation of King Eiders and other closely related species of concern.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Health evaluation of western arctic King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis)
Series title Journal of Wildlife Diseases
DOI 10.7589/0090-3558-46.4.1290
Volume 46
Issue 4
Year Published 2010
Language English
Publisher Wildlife Disease Association
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Leetown
Description 5 p.
First page 1290
Last page 1294
Online Only (Y/N) N
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
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