The impact of radiotelemetry on mallard reproductive success / Richard Michael Chabaylo.
Material type:
TextSeries: Thesis ; (M.Sc.)Publication details: Edmonton, AB : University of Alberta, 1990.Description: 113 leaves : ill. ; 28 cmOnline resources: Abstract: This study investigated the question: why do female dabbling ducks suffer such apparently high total brood loss when fitted with backpack radio transmitters? Using mallards, I tested the impact of radio backpacks on a number of variables, including incubation constancy, egg cooling, and hatching success of hens in the wild and in captivity. In the latter group the following variables were also considered: neonate body reserves, growth, and survival. Finally, I documented post-hatch behaviour and body weight changes in radio-marked captive females.Post-handling absence, egg cooling, and nest desertion were higher for radio-marked than unmarked mallards in the wild. Egg hatchability for all mallards in this study was high (>90%) and appeared little affected by prolonged exposures to moderate cooling temperatures. Duckling survival for radio-marked hens in captivity was also high (>90%),comparable to unmarked hens. The majority of duckling deaths occurred during the first week post-hat
| Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Electronic Report
|
Electronic Library | Non-fiction | CHA (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | Available | 1425 |
Thesis(M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 1990.
"Fall 1990."
Includes bibliographical references.
This study investigated the question: why do female dabbling ducks suffer such apparently high total brood loss when fitted with backpack radio transmitters? Using mallards, I tested the impact of radio backpacks on a number of variables, including incubation constancy, egg cooling, and hatching success of hens in the wild and in captivity. In the latter group the following variables were also considered: neonate body reserves, growth, and survival. Finally, I documented post-hatch behaviour and body weight changes in radio-marked captive females.Post-handling absence, egg cooling, and nest desertion were higher for radio-marked than unmarked mallards in the wild. Egg hatchability for all mallards in this study was high (>90%) and appeared little affected by prolonged exposures to moderate cooling temperatures. Duckling survival for radio-marked hens in captivity was also high (>90%),comparable to unmarked hens. The majority of duckling deaths occurred during the first week post-hat