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Predicting lesser scaup wetland use during spring migration in eastern South Dakota

Great Plains Research
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Abstract

The relative influence of physical, chemical, and biotic wetland characteristics on wetland use by spring migrating lesser scaup (Aythya affinis [Eyton]; hereafter "scaup") is not well understood. We compared characteristics of used and unused wetlands in eastern South Dakota. Used wetlands were larger (>2 ha; P = 0.05), with higher amphipod densities (>500 individuals m-2; P = 0.01) and higher chlorophyll-a concentrations (>0.2; P < 0.05). These wetlands had lower ionic conductivity (1.8 mS; P = 0.02), lower nitrates (1.0 ppm; P = 0.01), lower submerged aquatic vegetation density (P < 0.01), and lower fine sediment proportions (???150 ??m grain size; P < 0.01). Wetland use was best described by amphipod and submerged aquatic vegetation densities. The predictive model explained 50.4% of the variation in scaup use in a reserve dataset. Thresholds of tolerance by amphipods in relation to wetland habitats in the upper Midwest should be investigated further as indicators of a broader range of water and habitat quality characteristics for scaup. ?? 2009 Copyright by the Center for Great Ploins Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Suggested Citation

Kahara, S., Chipps, S., 2009, Predicting lesser scaup wetland use during spring migration in eastern South Dakota: Great Plains Research, v. 19, no. 2, p. 157-167.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Predicting lesser scaup wetland use during spring migration in eastern South Dakota
Series title Great Plains Research
Volume 19
Issue 2
Year Published 2009
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Great Plains Research
First page 157
Last page 167
Additional publication details