Differential effects of coyotes and red foxes on duck nest success

摘要: Low recruitment rates prevail among ducks in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America, primarily because high nest depredation rates. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a major predator duck eggs, but abundance depressed by coyotes (Canis latrans). We tested hypothesis that success upland-nesting higher areas with than foxes. conducted study during 1990-92 uplands 36 managed for nesting Dakota and South Dakota. Overall succes averaged 32% (95% CI = 25-40) on 17 where were principal canid 17% (CI 11-25) 13 foxes (P 0.01). Both canids common 6 other areas, 25% 13-47). Habitat composition, communities exception canids, species composition nests coyote similar overall. Upon examining only ≥6 eggs last visit prior to hatch or depredation, we determined evidence characteristic predation accounted 4% depredated 27% 0.001). An expanding population contributing overall success. Management may be an effective method increasing