COLUMBUS, OH - Wildlife biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife are beginning a three-year research project with Ducks Unlimited to study mallard nesting in the Great Lakes region.
Some 600 mallard hens will be fitted with radio transmitters and then followed via ground and aerial tracking systems to their nest sites. Once located, the nest sites will be monitored for a variety of nesting activities indicative of reproductive health.
"Mallard populations in some Great Lakes states may be decreasing," said Steve Barry, head of wetlands research for the ODNR Division of Wildlife. "If so, we want to know why, and if there is anything we can do to further protect these migratory birds."
In addition to Ohio, similar studies are scheduled at sites in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.
"We hope this study reveals what habitats are preferred and most successful for nesting mallards, " said Gildo Tori of the Great Lakes/Atlantic Region office of Ducks Unlimited. "We'll use that information to enhance habitat on our project areas for these popular wetland birds."
This study will allow wildlife managers to determine what factors may be limiting mallard population growth, and then develop habitat management programs that are tailor-made for the Great Lakes states, including Ohio.
For Further Information Contact:
Steve Barry, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(419) 898-0960
-or-
Chip Gross, ODNR Division of Wildlife
(614) 265-6325