Waterfowl management on grass-sage stock ponds
Wetlands
By: D. Svingen and S.H. Anderson
Links
- The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
We studied waterfowl use of grass-sage stock ponds in north-central Wyoming during the 1988 and 1989 breeding seasons. Dabbling ducks, particularly mallards, were the most common breeders. Indicated breeding pair density averaged 2.7 pairs/ha of wetland surface, while brood density averaged 1.0 brood/ha of wetland surface. Waterfowl use and productivity were greatest on large (>3 ha), clear, deep ponds with grass shorelines and abundant submergent macrophytes. Pair use was positively correlated with water clarity, pond area, and macroinvertebrate diversity. Brood use was related to macroinvertebrate diversity, pond depth, and Shoreline Development Index. We recommend management priority be given to ponds that are deeper than 1 m to provide more water that is clear so macrophytes can be established. Macroinvertebrates should be artificially introduced into ponds. Fencing should be used to improve ponds for waterfowl use and brood rearing.
Suggested Citation
Svingen, D., and Anderson, S., 1998, Waterfowl management on grass-sage stock ponds: Wetlands, v. 18, no. 1, p. 84-89.
ISSN: 1943-6246 (online)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Waterfowl management on grass-sage stock ponds |
| Series title | Wetlands |
| Volume | 18 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1998 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wetlands |
| First page | 84 |
| Last page | 89 |