Alberta Piping Plover Predator Exclosure and Population Monitoring Program 2002
Author(s)
Lance Engley and Roy Schmelzeisen
Summary
The piping plover is designated as “Endangered” or “Threatened” throughout its range in North America. Nest depredation has been identified as a significant limiting factor to piping plover reproductive success, and results from past studies in east-central Alberta have shown that the use of predator exclosures can significantly reduce piping plover nest depredation. In addition to protecting nests, annual surveys are needed to gauge population numbers and movement. These surveys also give researchers an opportunity to re-sight piping plovers banded in Alberta in previous years, as well as those banded in other jurisdictions. The information collected from band recoveries assists wildlife managers in determining dispersal patterns as well as adult and juvenile survival.
The predator exclosures used during the 2002 field season were circular, 60 cm in diameter and 40 cm high. These exclosures were small, quick to apply and proved very effective in protecting piping plover nests from potential predators. Forty-six of the 47 nests that had exclosures applied to them hatched. Six of 11 nests that were not exclosed hatched.
Population inventories were conducted on 44 waterbodies. One hundred fifty three adult plovers were located on 20 lakes. During these surveys, 29 band re-sightings were recorded and an additional 99 young plovers were banded in 2002.
All activities carried out during the course of this project were done in support of the “Alberta Piping Plover Recovery Plan 2002-2004”. In particular, these activities were conducted to address the Productivity Enhancement and Research components of the Recovery Plan. As a result of the success of the project in 2002, these activities will continue in the spring and summer of 2003.