The effects of disturbance on behaviour, habitat use and energy of spring staging snow geese

摘要: Summary 1 For many species, human-induced disturbances can severely influence an individual's pay-off; however, energy-cost variations from different disturbance types have rarely been reported. 2 We evaluated the dynamic behavioural responses of staging greater snow geese Anser caerulescens atlanticus to in southern Quebec, Canada, between 1997 and 2000. We specifically considered impact a unique measure, spring conservation hunt implemented agricultural habitats 1999. 3 We tracked 237 radio-tagged females for 2764 h recorded 697 take-offs following fortuitous disturbance, scaring hunting three regions characterized by habitats. Geese used cornfields south-western Scirpus marshes hayfields upper St Lawrence estuary, Spartina lower estuary. 4 Overall, levels increased estuary during years with hunting, mostly through increase activities. 5 The probability returning refuge after except corn-growing region. The short-term energy gain resuming feeding was less than before this difference hunting. Distances flown decreased flock size were longer region. 6 Overall, habitat use varied among associated estimated markedly both region, but did not change Changes behaviour due especially those probably contributed reduced body condition hunting. 7 Synthesis applications. From methodological viewpoint, we highlight importance tracking individual animals properly evaluate its impact. perspective, provide empirical arguments limit breeding waterfowl their prenuptial migration order facilitate fattening forthcoming reproduction. management standpoint, suggest that side-effect induced control overabundant populations may be output birds survive. Together, these data emphasize further measuring direct indirect effects rather assuming incidence alone.