Factors Affecting Piping Plover Productivity on Assateague Island
Patterson ME, Fraser JD, Roggenbuck JW. 1991. Factors Affecting Piping Plover Productivity on Assateague Island. The Journal of Wildlife Management. 55(3):525-531
We studied piping plovers (Charadrius melodus) on Assateague Island (Md., Va.) in 1986-87 to estimate population size and to identify factors affecting productivity. Fledging rates (0.19-1.11 chicks/pair) appeared to be lower than the level necessary to maintain a stable population. Fifty-four percent of the nests were unsuccessful. Predators accounted for most (91%) of the known causes of nest losses. Only 1 nest (2.2% of losses with known cause) was lost due to direct human destruction, and we found no evidence that suggested recreational disturbance was a factor affecting productivity. Mean chick fledging success was 69% for broods foraging at bay flats or tidal pools and 19% for broods foraging on ocean beach (P < 0.05).
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Patterson, Michael; Fraser, James; Roggenbuck, Joseph
- Units
- ASIS , CALO , GATE
- Keywords
- Animal Studies, Assateague Island National Seashore, Aves (Birds), Inventory and Monitoring (I&M), MD, Nests & Nesting, Piping Plover (Charadrius melodus), Population Dynamics, Predation, VA, Wildlife Management