Raptor selection of captive reared and released Galliform birds

Wildlife Society Bulletin
By: , and 

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Abstract

Captive rearing and release of birds in the order Galliformes remains a popular management tactic despite low survival rates. We investigated avian predator selection of captive‐reared northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) as a potential driver of their high mortality. We simulated avian predator hunts on a flushing pair of bobwhites during trials conducted from 6 February 2015 to 14 February 2015 in Texas, USA. When presented a choice of a captive‐reared bobwhite or wild bobwhite, a Harris's hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) pursued a captive‐reared bobwhite in 8 of 10 flight trials. This selective rate, combined with observations from auxiliary research indicate avian predation may be a greater risk for captive‐reared birds than wild birds. The success of captive‐rearing and release efforts may benefit from a better understanding of how to more adequately prepare captive‐reared birds for release. 

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Raptor selection of captive reared and released Galliform birds
Series title Wildlife Society Bulletin
DOI 10.1002/wsb.925
Volume 42
Issue 4
Year Published 2018
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 3 p.
First page 713
Last page 715
Country United States
State Texas
County Nolan County
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