Graduate Project
 

Determining strategies for the protection of nesting Interior Least Terns (Sternula antillarum athalassos) in Indiana

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_projects/3t945z69t

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  • Interior least tern (Sternula antillarum athalassos) populations and productivity have been declining in Indiana for the past ten years, which is thought to be the result of predation. Methods for protecting nesting Interior least terns include fence exclosures and artificial shelters for chicks, but their effectiveness is unknown. Each Indiana nesting colony is protected by a different type of exclosure, and preliminary data suggests that some may be more effective than others. This study quantifies the efficacy of these strategies used to protect nesting Interior least terns at three sites in southern Indiana. I found that the exclosure made of electrified chain link with aluminum flashing at the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area was 100% effective at deterring predators, followed by the chain link-only exclosure used at Cane Ridge Ray’s and Tern Islands at 76 and 86%. Finally, the electrified fence with additional safety fencing at the American Electric Power site was 50%. I documented 77 events of chicks using artificial shelters at the American Electric Power colony, but I found no correlation between air temperature and shelter use or productivity (fledglings/pair) and shelter use. These results provide an in-depth look at protection strategies that can inform managers and stakeholders about ways to improve productivity of Interior least terns and other birds that nest similarly.
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file details LaineyEspickMNRCapstone2021.pdf 2021-06-25 Público Descargar