USGS - science for a changing world

Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

  Home About NPWRC Our Science Staff Employment Contacts Common Questions About the Site

Human Disturbances to Waterfowl

Annotated Bibliography


102. Joensen, A. H., and J. Madsen. 1985. Waterfowl and raptors wintering in wetlands of western Greece, 1983-85. Natura Jutlandica 21:169-200.

In the Amvrakikos wetlands studies were conducted on distribution of ducks and Eurasian coot (Fulica atra) in relation to food resources and the impact of human disturbance, especially hunting. Observations on hunting modes were made elsewhere also. The number of hunters is large, and illegal practices are frequently observed, including killing of protected species. Disturbance by hunters often causes mass displacement of ducks from the most important feeding areas. Some species such as northern shoveler (Anas clypeata), northern pintail (Anas acuta), green-winged teal (Anas crecca), and common pochard (Aythya ferina) are very sensitive to disturbance. Northern shoveler and northern pintail cease to feed when shooting occurs near them, while Eurasian wigeon (Anas penelope) and Eurasian coot are less sensitive and continue foraging at lower intensity. Shooting from motor boats is extremely disturbing. Sportsmen in only 1 or 2 powered punts in Logarou Lagoon and equivalent numbers in Koronisia Bay can disturb waterfowl so that they stop feeding and eventually abandon the area. Poled fishing punts move rather slowly and generally cause less disturbance. Motor boats generally flush waterfowl and interrupt feeding for a much longer time. In Koronisia Bay fishing boats regularly displace ducks from feeding areas.


Return to Contents || Subject Index | Author Index | Geography Index | Species Index

Accessibility FOIA Privacy Policies and Notices

Take Pride in America logo USA.gov logo U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/literatr/disturb/bibli102.htm
Page Contact Information: Webmaster
Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 05:30:08 EST
Menlo Park, CA [caww54]