An evaluation of condition indices for birds
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Abstract
A Lipid Index, the ratio of fat to fat-free dry weight, is proposed as a measure of fat stores in birds. The estimation of the index from field measurements of live birds is illustrated with data on the sandhill crane (Grus canadensis) and greater white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons). Of the various methods of assessing fat stores, lipid extraction is the most accurate but also the most involved. Water extraction is a simpler laboratory method that provides a good index to fat and can be calibrated to serve as an estimator. Body weight itself is often inadequate as a condition index, but scaling by morphological measurements can markedly improve its value.
Suggested Citation
Johnson, D.H., Krapu, G.L., Reinecke, K., and Jorde, D., 1985, An evaluation of condition indices for birds: Journal of Wildlife Management, v. 49, no. 3, p. 569-575, https://doi.org/10.2307/3801673.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | An evaluation of condition indices for birds |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.2307/3801673 |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Year Published | 1985 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 7 p. |
| First page | 569 |
| Last page | 575 |