Study

Experimental release of canvasbacks on breeding habitat

  • Published source details Sugden L.G. (1976) Experimental release of canvasbacks on breeding habitat. Journal of Wildlife Management, 40, 716-720.

Summary

Releases of captive bred individuals have the potential to boost wild populations. However they are no always successful or individuals do not always stay in the (presumably relatively safe) release site. This study investigates the release of captive bred canvasbacks Aythya valisineria.

 

In 1971, 43 female and 47 male canvasbacks were released into an area of parkland with lots of ponds, approximately 50 km east of Saskatoon. The birds were flightless young.

In 1972, birds from the same cohort were released again, this time as yearlings. This time, 50 females and 36 males were released.

The number of birds returning and nesting was monitored.

 

Three females returned in 1972 with none nesting. Three females returned in 1973, all from the 1972 release, with one nesting.No females were seen more than one year after release.

Most of the yearling females formed brief pairs when released and two attempted to nest.

Of returning females, one of the 1972 releases attempted to nest. None of the 1971 releases attempted nesting.

The survival or return rates of the males was not discussed.

Note: If using or referring to this published study, please read and quote the original paper.

 

 

 

 

Output references
What Works 2021 cover

What Works in Conservation

What Works in Conservation provides expert assessments of the effectiveness of actions, based on summarised evidence, in synopses. Subjects covered so far include amphibians, birds, mammals, forests, peatland and control of freshwater invasive species. More are in progress.

More about What Works in Conservation

Download free PDF or purchase
The Conservation Evidence Journal

The Conservation Evidence Journal

An online, free to publish in, open-access journal publishing results from research and projects that test the effectiveness of conservation actions.

Read the latest volume: Volume 21

Go to the CE Journal

Discover more on our blog

Our blog contains the latest news and updates from the Conservation Evidence team, the Conservation Evidence Journal, and our global partners in evidence-based conservation.


Who uses Conservation Evidence?

Meet some of the evidence champions

Endangered Landscape ProgrammeRed List Champion - Arc Kent Wildlife Trust The Rufford Foundation Save the Frogs - Ghana Mauritian Wildlife Supporting Conservation Leaders
Sustainability Dashboard National Biodiversity Network Frog Life The international journey of Conservation - Oryx Cool Farm Alliance UNEP AWFA Bat Conservation InternationalPeople trust for endangered species Vincet Wildlife Trust