Use of Natural Basin Wetlands by Breeding Waterfowl in North Dakota

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Abstract
The use of basin wetlands by breeding populations of 12 spp. (Anas platyrhynchos, A. acuta, A. crecca, A. clypeata, A. americana, A. strepera, A. discors, Aythya americana, A. affinis, A. collaris, A. valisineria, Oxyura jamaicensis] of waterfowl has investigated in 1965 and during 1967-69 throughout the prairie pothole region of North Dakota [USA]. Data were obtained primarily by reandom sampling techniques. Of the total population occupying natural basin wetlands 55% occupied seasonal and 36% occupied semipermanent wetlands. Seasonal wetlands contained 60% of the population of dabbling ducks, while semipermanent wetlands supported 75% of the population of diving ducks. On basins with ponded water, the highest concentrations of breeding pairs occurred on temporary, seasonal and semipermanent wetlands; moderate concentrations were recorded on ephemeral, fen and undifferentiated tillage wetlands. Low concentrations occurred on permanent and alkali wetlands. The proportion of basins that retained pond water had a direct bearing on the value of each type of wetland to breeding waterfowl. Relative values of the more intermittent types of wetlands are greatly increased during years of ample precipitation.

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