Survival of Wild and Game-Farm Cock Pheasants Released in Pennsylvania
Krauss GD, Grous HB, Zervanos SM. 1987. Survival of Wild and Game-Farm Cock Pheasants Released in Pennsylvania. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 51(3):555-559
Survival of male game-farm (both state-reared and commercial-reared stocks) and wild-trapped ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were compared by releasing radio transmitter-equipped pheasants from all sources into the wild at the same time and location. Pheasants were released during March-June 1982 in primary pheasant range (N = 81) and during May-June 1983 in secondary range (N = 34) in Pennsylvania. Survival of wild birds was greater than that of state or commercial game-farm birds in both areas. Survival of commercial game-farm stock was higher than that of state game-farm birds in primary range but not in secondary range. In primary range, mammalian predators were the major cause of death; predation was especially high immediately after release. Relative to wild birds, game-farm birds were less fearful of a human observer, more visible upon approach, and stayed closer to the release site. Game-farm managers could improve field survival of pen-reared pheasants by employing propagation practices aimed at increasing their excitability, fear of humans, and use of cover.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Krauss, G; Grous, H; Zervanos, S
- Units
- DEWA
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Birds, Monitoring, partridge pheasant & quail (Phasianidae), Research Report