Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Factors contributing to increased waterfowl use were larger local mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Canada goose (Branta canadensis) populations, more baited sanctuaries, increase in quantity of waterfowl food plant species as a result of higher lake levels, and the establishment of a National Wildlife Area closed to hunting. Factors that reduced waterfowl use included habitat destruction caused by agricultural drainage; marina developments on wetlands, with resulting increased boat traffic disturbing waterfowl; increased public hunting on areas that had previously been hunted at a low intensity; and population declines in species such as American black ducks (Anas rubripes) and ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis)