Effects of supplemental feeding on northern bobwhite populations in south Texas /
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1988.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | ProQuest, Abstract Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | A 2-year study was initiated in Fall 1985 to determine the effects of supplemental feeding on population attributes and body condition of northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) in south Texas. Four paired study sites were established representing a cross-section of soils, vegetation, and hunting pressure found in south Texas. A high energy-low protein supplement was provided from late fall through March during the study. Feeding increased winter survival of birds on deep sand sites 225-245J. Feeding did not improve survival on the red sandy loam or clay sites. The clay site had greater (P < 0.05) percent screening compared to other sites and the red sandy loam site had greater (P < 0.05) indices of food production compared to the deep sand sites. These factors were suggested as potential reasons for the lack of change in survival on the red sandy loam and clay sites when feed was provided. Feeding did not improve reproductive success of birds on any of the study sites. Percent body fat of birds from fed sites tended to be greater (JP < 0.05) compared to percent body fat of birds on control sites. Also, a high percentage of birds collected had supplement present in crops and there was a tendency to find birds close to feeders more often than at points where feeders were not present suggesting that increased survival was related to availability of supplemental feed. This study demonstrated that supplemental feeding can increase population survival if feed is limiting the population. Data suggested that feeding was not effective when habitat structure was inappropriate or when food was not limiting. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences." |
| Physical Description: | xii, 55 leaves : illustrations ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-54). |