Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

Award Date

1971

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Wildlife and Fisheries Science

Abstract

Land-use patterns characteristic of prime pheasant range in the Great Plains and prairie region have 50-75 percent of the land under cultivation according to Kimball et. al. (1956). Farmland is pheasant habitat, and the production of pheasants is therefore greatly influenced by farming practices. Considerable research has been done on rates of pheasant production, nest success, and cover preferences for nesting. However, little information has been obtained on movements and cover preferences for brood rearing. Most studies of the type of cover utilized by pheasant broods have been based on roadside and random field observations. Kozicky and Hendrickson (1951) carried out studies of the type of cover used by broods in Iowa. Hammer (1965) in Nebraska established random transects in various cover types to determine cover utilization by pheasant broods. Linde and Agee (1965) also studied cover for nesting and brood rearing in Nebraska. The development of radio-tracking systems (LeMunyan at al. 1959, Marshall 1960, and Cochran and Lord 1963) has enabled wildlife biologists to obtain detailed information in activities and movements of many species. Trautman and Dahlgren (1965) indicated that population levels were determined by survival of the young as well as hatching success. Hessler (1968) used biotelemetry techniques to study mortality of juvenile pheasants released in natural conditions. Kuck at al. (1970) reported on movements and behavior of hen pheasants during the nesting season. Carter (1971) discussed seasonal movements and hunting recoveries. Because little is known about cover preferences and movements of the hen and brood after nesting, the objectives of this study were: 1. To determine activity trends and movements of hens and broods on typical agricultural landscape; and 2. To determine cover preferences for various components of farmland habitat at different periods following nesting.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Pheasants -- Iowa
Pheasants - Breeding

Description

Includes bibliographical references (pages 48-50)

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

61

Publisher

South Dakota State University

Rights

No Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Only
http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/

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