Variation in Survival and Recovery Rates of Ring-Necked Ducks

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Abstract
Band recovery data were used to examine sex-specific, geographic and temporal variations in survival and recovery rates of ring-necked ducks (A. Collaris). Survival rates were higher (P < 0.05) for males than for females in the preseason-banded sample and in 2 of 3 post-season samples; recovery rates were higher (P < 0.05) for females in 1 post-season sample. Survival rates of postseason-banded males were highest in the Mississippi Flyway; rates for females were highest in the Atlantic Flyways. The hypothesis of time-constant survival rates was rejected for all 3 samples of postseason-banded males, and 1 sample of females. The relationships of time-varying survival rates to annual indices of harvest rates and population density were examined. Survival rates of adult males in 1 postseason banding area were negatively correlated with harvest rate (r = -0.78, P < 0.01) and breeding population indices (r = -0.68, P < 0.05). The results are interpreted and discussed in terms of the hypoptheses of compensatory and additive mortality, and suggestions are offered for future studies into the relationship between harvest and total mortality.

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