MOVEMENTS OF URBAN CANADA GEESE: IMPLICATIONS FOR NICARBAZIN TREATMENT PROGRAMS

摘要: Resident Canada goose (Branta canadensis) and human populations in North America are increasing rapidly. Consequently, human-goose conflicts also increasing. A potential approach to manage is the use of orally delivered reproductive inhibitors. Nicarbazin, when ingested daily, a inhibitor that has reduce hatchability eggs. To successfully employ inhibition, managers must understand behavior local populations, primarily springtime movements, nesting, habitat develop effective methods for delivering necessary doses. We monitored movement, use, nesting 51 resident geese, all adult females, at Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary (BBWS), Green Bay, Wisconsin, during 2001 2002. Our objective was determine if geese were sufficiently sedentary nest initiation period allow dosage with nicarbazin assess its as management tool. results indicated some never departed area available daily dosing while others returned. Goose movements time spent away from BBWS highly variable among geese; individuals traveled <1 km 109 BBWS. However, movement patterns did not vary markedly between years. Similarly, sites widely but consistent years within individuals. Habitat varied considerably included industrial complexes, urban lawns parks, agricultural fields, remote marshes. Overall, there high variability patterns, use. Such presents difficulty required doses nicarbazin, or other inhibitors be prior egg laying.