Aspen Bibliography
A Simulation Analysis of Mallard Reproductive Behavior in Relation to Breeding Habitat
Document Type
Thesis/Dissertation
Volume
46
Issue
7
First Page
2144
Last Page
2145
Publication Date
1986
Abstract
A computer simulation was designed to relate experimental measures of innate mallard breeding behavior to breeding habitat quality and quantity as measured by numbers of pairs, nesting chronology, and duckling production. Weather and predation were simulated as exogeneous variables modifying reproductive performance» The results of the simulations were compared with 3 years each of field data near Kindersley, Saskatchewan and in the Aspen Parkland Life Area near Edmonton, Alberta” In all simulations, the number of pairs calculated as needed to produce a nesting chronology and duckling production similar to those reported in the field studies was less than the number of indicated pairs reported in the field studies. Weather and predation as simulated by the model did not account for the difference. However, in 3 of 5 simulations where weather data from field studies was simulated, the resulting nesting chronology'was statistically’similar to the reported nesting chronologyu Predation rates used in the simulation that resulted in nesting chronologies and duckling production similar to those reported if the field studies were identical to or slightly higher than those reported in the field studies. In all but one simulation, the estimate of ducklings fledged was within the range estimated in the field studies or differed by no more than 39 percent.
The model simulated the difference in mallard reproductive performance between grassland and parkland breeding habitats. However, breeding habitat quality and quality and reported from field studies in terms of pond numbers and change in pond numbers in the same habitat did not correspond with the simulated measures of pair use and duckling production per pond. Explanations of these differences include mallard spacing mechanisms and changes in winter and breeding habitat quality that were not incorporated in the model.
Recommended Citation
Dudderar, G.R., "A Simulation Analysis of Mallard Reproductive Behavior in Relation to Breeding Habitat" (1986). Aspen Bibliography. Paper 3694.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/aspen_bib/3694
Comments
This dissertation was submitted to Michigan State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.