Effects of nesting cover removal on breeding puddle ducks

Published source details Martz G.F. (1967) Effects of nesting cover removal on breeding puddle ducks. Journal of Wildlife Management, 31, 236-247.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Mow or cut natural grasslands Action Link
	Use prescribed burning on grasslands Action Link

Mow or cut natural grasslands

A replicated and controlled study in between five and eight meadows in the Lower Souris National Wildlife Refuge, North Dakota, USA, in 1961-1962 (Martz 1967), found that duck pair density (mainly blue-winged teal Anas discors and gadwall A. strepera) was 6% lower in three areas mown in August than in five control areas. This difference was not significant and gadwall mostly nested in unmanaged areas beside mowed meadows and blue-winged teal frequently nested in mowed meadows. Nest success did not differ significantly between mowed and unmown meadows. A total of 398 nests were surveyed.
Use prescribed burning on grasslands

A replicated and controlled study in meadows in North Dakota, USA (Martz 1967), in 1961 found that there were 38% fewer pairs of ducks in burned areas of meadow, compared to unburned areas. This study is discussed in more detail in ‘Mow natural grasslands’.