wildlife module 6

Class Announcements

  • Projects:

    • Overview of current projects:

    • Majority of the course consists of lectures; only two out-of-the-ordinary projects.

    • Completed project: Perspective Essay.

    • Upcoming project: Virtual Presentation, requiring creation of a Google slide deck and using Padlet.

      • Focus on a federal land area related to conservation (i.e., national park, national forest, national wildlife refuge).

      • Each participant can select only unique properties, with no duplicate selections.

      • Project will open mid-October and is due mid-November.

  • Exams:

    • Exam Two scheduled for Thursday, October 23.

    • Students unable to attend should communicate in advance.

  • Career Fair:

    • Scheduled for tomorrow, from 10 AM to 1 PM.

    • Open to all students, even those not majoring in CFWE.

    • Over 30 companies attending including State Parks representatives.

    • Importance of networking emphasized; personal anecdote shared about networking leading to opportunities.

    • QR code available for registration; however, walk-ins are welcome.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act

  • Introduction:

    • Vital wildlife legislation founded over a century ago.

    • Regulations regarding possession of native migratory bird feathers and nests; permits required, especially for hunters.

    • Ethical responsibility highlighted when caring for injured or orphaned birds; illegal possession of certain wildlife without appropriate permits.

  • Historical Context:

    • Early conservation efforts chiefly driven by affluent hunters around Chesapeake Bay aiming to protect waterfowl from market hunting.

    • Types of waterfowl discussed: ducks, geese, and swans; around 45 species documented in North America.

    • Current estimates of waterfowl populations range between 200-300 million birds.

  • Conservation Challenges:

    • The importance of the Prairie Pothole Region, primarily the northern plains in Iowa, Minnesota, the Dakotas, and parts of Canada.

    • Characterized by pothole wetlands formed by glaciation, serving as critical nesting habitats for waterfowl.

    • 10% of available breeding area producing approximately 50% of total waterfowl.

  • Impact of Hunting on Breeding Populations:

    • Local populations initially affected by hunting techniques of the 1800s (e.g., punt guns, baiting).

    • Struggles tied to accessibility of remote breeding grounds as railroads spread.

    • Mention of two specific species impacting by hunting

    1. Labrador Duck:

      • Found in coastal Delmarva, New England, Canadian Maritime provinces.

      • Factors in its decline include hunting, habitat loss, and possible overexploitation of food sources (mussels).

      • Achieved extinction before Audubon documented sightings.

    2. Trumpeter Swan:

      • Largest North American waterfowl.

      • Almost went extinct due to hunting and habitat degradation.

      • Successfully reintroduced through managed breeding; migratory behavior altered by reintroduction efforts.

      • Use of ultralight aircraft in migration training addressed.

Conservation and Ethics in Wildlife Management

  • Restoration Techniques Discussed:

    • Conservation efforts necessary for the wood duck population due to historical drops related to overhunting and environmental changes.

    • The significance of beavers as ecosystem engineers in promoting wetland habitats for wood ducks highlighted.

  • Legislative History:

    • The essence of cooperation among states in wildlife protection emphasized; none wanted to self-regulate in a competitive environment.

    • Federal government seen as a viable solution to the lack of state action, resulting in the introduction of the Shiras Bill (1904) to protect migratory birds.

    • Followed by Lacey's Amendment which sought to angle the bill constitutionally by invoking the General Welfare clause of the Constitution to solidify federal authority over wildlife management.

    • Ongoing affiliations with legislative proponents, such as the American Game Protective and Propagation Association, aimed to garner support for bird protection bills.

  • Combining Interests for Legislation:

    • Identification of multiple interests across conservationist groups necessary for success, including agricultural support to preserve birds that control insect populations.

    • Moderator groups collaborated on the Weeks-McLean Bill, ultimately addressing migratory bird protection versus just game birds, increasing its acceptance.

  • Future Updates Expected:

    • Concluding remarks suggest returning to the discussion on the successful passing of the migratory bird legislation next class session.