Estrogen-based conditioned-taste-aversion as a method of reducing mammalian predation of duck eggs / Robert C.N Penner
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TextPublication details: Saskatoon, SK : University of Saskatchewan, 1995.Description: xiii, 104 leaves : ill. ; 29 cmOnline resources: Abstract: Conditioned-taste-aversion (CTA) resulting from illness-based learning may be an effective and socially acceptable method of reducing mammalian predation of duck eggs. Previous studies have demonstrated that some predators avoid eggs which mimic those that made them sick, but recent work (Guyn 1994) reported that natural clutches received no apparent protection from CTA. My objectives were to (1) conduct a large scale field trial to evaluate whether CTA would reduce mammalian predation of duck eggs, and (2) test whether oral estrogen would produce CTA in striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and Franklin's ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii). From April to July 1993, 8 study plots (20-50 ha) near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, were baited 3 times with chicken eggs containing 10 mg oral estrogen. Skunks were trapped on these and matched control plots, radio-collared, fed estrogen (treatment) or normal (control) eggs, and released. In 1994, 2 treatment plots were baited,but eggs were deplo
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Thesis(M.Sc.)--University of Saskatchewan, 1995.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 90-104).
Conditioned-taste-aversion (CTA) resulting from illness-based learning may be an effective and socially acceptable method of reducing mammalian predation of duck eggs. Previous studies have demonstrated that some predators avoid eggs which mimic those that made them sick, but recent work (Guyn 1994) reported that natural clutches received no apparent protection from CTA. My objectives were to (1) conduct a large scale field trial to evaluate whether CTA would reduce mammalian predation of duck eggs, and (2) test whether oral estrogen would produce CTA in striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and Franklin's ground squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii). From April to July 1993, 8 study plots (20-50 ha) near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, were baited 3 times with chicken eggs containing 10 mg oral estrogen. Skunks were trapped on these and matched control plots, radio-collared, fed estrogen (treatment) or normal (control) eggs, and released. In 1994, 2 treatment plots were baited,but eggs were deplo