Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2002ND16B

Variables Influencing Habitat Use by Diving Waterbirds Foraging in the Prairie Pothole Region

Institute: North Dakota
Year Established: 2002 Start Date: 2002-09-01 End Date: 2003-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $5,656 Total Non-Federal Funds: $11,505

Principal Investigators: Malcolm Butler

Project Summary: The purpose of this study is to uncover patterns of habitat use by diving waterbirds foraging within potholes in relationship to water depth, submergent vegetation, benthic invertebrate biomass and size, and benthic compactness and particle size. The study will focus on habitat use on the scale of the individual pothole and will seek to explain observed patterns in habitat use by comparing habitat variables to morphological features of diving waterfowl species. Habitat use information can lead to a better understanding of the habitat needs of diving ducks and how to best manage aquatic habitats for these species.