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Abstract
Man-made water sources have been used as a management tool for wildlife, especially in arid regions, but the value of these water sources for wildlife populations is not well understood. In particular, the value of water as a conservation tool for Lesser Prairie-Chickens (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) is unknown. However, this is a relevant issue due to a heightened conservation concern for the species and its occupancy of an arid landscape anticipated to experience warmer, drier springs and winters. We assessed if Lesser Prairie-Chickens would use commercially available wildlife water guzzlers and if there was any apparent selection between two design types. We confirmed that Lesser Prairie-Chickens would use bird friendly designed wildlife water guzzlers. Use was primarily during the lekking-nesting period (March–May) and the brood rearing period (June–July) and primarily by males. Although both designs were used, we found significantly greater use of a design that had a wider water trough and ramp built into the tank cover compared to a design that had a longer, narrower trough extending from the tank.
Although we were unable to assess the physiological need of surface water by Lesser Prairie-Chickens, we were able to verify that they will use wildlife water guzzlers to access surface water. If it is found surface water is beneficial for Lesser Prairie-Chickens, game bird friendly designed guzzlers may be a useful conservation tool for the species.
Publication type | Article |
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Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Title | Assessment of lesser prairie-chicken use of wildlife water guzzlers |
Series title | Bulletin of the Texas Ornithological Society |
Volume | 46 |
Issue | 1-2 |
Year Published | 2014 |
Language | English |
Publisher | Texas Ornithological Society |
Contributing office(s) | Coop Res Unit Atlanta |
Description | 9 p. |
First page | 10 |
Last page | 18 |
Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |