Local and landscape associations between wintering dabbling ducks and wetland complexes in Mississippi
Wetlands
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Abstract
Landscape features influence distribution of waterbirds throughout their annual cycle. A conceptual model, the wetland habitat complex, may be useful in conservation of wetland habitats for dabbling ducks (Anatini). The foundation of this conceptual model is that ducks seek complexes of wetlands containing diverse resources to meet dynamic physiological needs. We included flooded croplands, wetlands and ponds, public-land waterfowl sanctuary, and diversity of habitats as key components of wetland habitat complexes and compared their relative influence at two spatial scales (i.e., local, 0.25-km radius; landscape, 4-km) on dabbling ducks wintering in western Mississippi, USA during winters 2002–2004. Distribution of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) groups was positively associated with flooded cropland at local and landscape scales. Models representing flooded croplands at the landscape scale best explained occurrence of other dabbling ducks. Habitat complexity measured at both scales best explained group size of other dabbling ducks. Flooded croplands likely provided food that had decreased in availability due to conversion of wetlands to agriculture. Wetland complexes at landscape scales were more attractive to wintering ducks than single or structurally simple wetlands. Conservation of wetland complexes at large spatial scales (≥5,000 ha) on public and private lands will require coordination among multiple stakeholders.
Suggested Citation
Pearse, A.T., Kaminski, R.M., Reinecke, K.J., Dinsmore, S., 2012, Local and landscape associations between wintering dabbling ducks and wetland complexes in Mississippi: Wetlands, v. 32, no. 5, p. 859-869, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-012-0317-5.
ISSN: 1943-6246 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Local and landscape associations between wintering dabbling ducks and wetland complexes in Mississippi |
| Series title | Wetlands |
| DOI | 10.1007/s13157-012-0317-5 |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Publication Date | July 10, 2012 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Springer |
| Publisher location | Amsterdam, Netherlands |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Wetlands |
| First page | 859 |
| Last page | 869 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Mississippi |