Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Scott Petrie
Second Advisor
Dr. Jack Millar
Third Advisor
Dr. Yolanda Morbey
Abstract
Waterfowl produced on the mixed woodland plain (MWP) of southern Ontario contribute substantially to regional sport harvest and are economically important. I studied how habitat characteristics affected the distribution and abundance (settling patterns) of breeding mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) in the MWP. Additionally, I tested a hypothesis that Canada geese competitively exclude mallards from breeding habitat in the MWP. Aerial surveys, remote sensing, and geographic information systems (GIS) technology were used to assess these relationships at several spatial scales. Mallards had positive associations with the density of emergent, temporary open-water, and riverine wetlands and perennial fields at several spatial scales. Canada goose results were more scale-dependent, but density of riverine, forested and permanent open water wetlands and areas of emergent wetlands and annually cropped fields were important. I found a positive spatial relationship between species. These results will facilitate habitat conservation directives for the MWP.
Recommended Citation
Messmer, David J., "HABITAT CHARACTERISTICS CORRELATED WITH THE SETTLING PATTERNS OF BREEDING MALLARDS AND CANADA GEESE IN THE MIXED WOODLAND PLAIN OF SOUTHERN ONTARIO" (2010). Digitized Theses. 4487.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4487