Body-mass, survival, and pairing consequences of winter-diet restriction in wood ducks

Article Abstract:

Researchers allowed captive wood ducks increasingly restricted winter diets to identify a level at which body mass, pairing and mortality might be affected. A control group of ducks fed in an unrestricted manner. Other groups received 5, 10, 15 and 20% less food than the amount eaten by the control group. The researchers discovered that ducks in the groups receiving 15% and 20% less food weighed least. Pair formation decreased and mortality increased in the group receiving 20% less food. Further research is required to check whether this threshold data applies to non-captive waterfowl.

Environmental aspects, Winter

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A new method to predict seed yield of moist-soil plants

Article Abstract:

The seed yields of plants from moist soils can be calculated using multiple linear regression, but it is a complex process, and models can show multicollinearity. Simple linear regression models have been tested and they can explain as much seed mass variation as can the multiple models. There is a need for the method to be used in different locations and for other models to be developed to test different plant species. The model can help managers and researchers assessing moist soil plant yields.

Research, Mississippi, Wildlife management, Botanical research

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Acorn selection by female wood ducks

Article Abstract:

Acorns from four oak species were offered to female wood ducks (Aix sponsa) to determine food preferences. Acorns constitute the winter diet of wood ducks. Wood ducks showed a preference for the willow oak (Quercus phellos) acorns, either in the mixed or single species feeding trials. Preference for this type of acorn can be attributed to the seed's thin shell and high meat to shell mass ratio.

Health aspects, Management, Wildlife conservation, Acorns

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