EP 462. How Is Waterfowl Migration and Distribution Changing?
Deep South duck hunters, especially, have been saying it for years—ducks are short-stopping way north of historical wintering grounds. The migration is different. Distribution has changed. But is it true? And if so, how have waterfowl migration and distribution changed, does it differ among species, what are the causes? Importantly, how might it affect traditional, continental waterfowl conservation efforts—and duck hunting as we know it?! Armed with recent research findings (some based on SIXTY YEARS worth of U.S. harvest data), US Fish and Wildlife Biologist, Heath Hagy and I race headlong into this daunting topic, covering mallards, pintails, divers, white-fronted geese, blue-winged teal, and more. Much more. Hang on, folks. Y’all might find yourself reaching for the oh-shit bar on this one!
Related Links:
2019 Wetlands Status and Trends Report provides scientific estimates of wetland area in the conterminous United States as well as change in area between 2009 and 2019. The report also discusses drivers of wetland change and recommendations to reduce future wetland loss.
- Wetland loss increased by more than 50% since the previous study.
- 221,000 acres of wetlands were lost, primarily to uplands through drainage and fill.
- Wetland loss disproportionately affected vegetated wetlands, resulting in the loss of 670,000 acres of these wetlands.
- Salt marsh experienced the largest net percent reduction of any wetland category (2% or -70,000 acres) while freshwater forested experienced the largest loss by area. (-426,000 acres)
- Our Nation’s remaining wetlands are being transformed from vegetated wetlands, like salt marsh and swamp, to non-vegetated wetlands, like ponds, mudflats, and sand bars.
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