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Research
Ecology and Population Genetics of Mottled Ducks Introduced to South Carolina
Mottled ducks (Anas fulvigula) were introduced for increased hunting opportunities into the Santee River Delta and the ACE (Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto Rivers) Basin, South Carolina from Texas, Louisiana, and Florida from 1975-1982. Released birds have established several local populations along the South Carolina and Georgia (SC-GA) coasts. Dispersal of introduced mottled ducks from South Carolina and Georgia is a great concern to ornithologists because of efforts to maintain the Florida mottled duck (A. f. fulvigula) as a distinct population.
Our objectives are to study the life history, behavior, habitat selection, and population structure of SC-GA mottled ducks; and to detect gene flow between Florida and SC-GA mottled duck populations. Study sites include Bear Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the Savannah Corps of Engineers Confined Disposal Facilities in South Carolina, the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge, and Altamaha WMA in Georgia. Mottled ducks used shallow (≤12 cm) water for feeding and brood-rearing. Submerged plants and aquatic invertebrate abundance did not appear to be associated with habitat selection by mottled ducks. All broods >2 weeks old fledged successfully. Ducks from hunters' harvests and feather samples from wildlife management agencies have been collected for genetic analysis. Microsatellite DNA will be used to evaluate the level of gene flow within SC-GA populations and among TX, LA, FL, and SC-GA populations. Results of our genetic analysis should provide a scientific basis for management policy and hunting regulations concerning mottled ducks.
To learn more about this research project visit the wildlife genetics lab project page.