Estimating Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) Populations in Alberta and Response to Disturbance

• Author / Creator

  Looft, Jerrod A.

• Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) were once widespread across much of North America, but after years of exploitation were reduced to near extinction. This research addressed the extent that human disturbance is affecting Trumpeter Swan breeding productivity and developed a more efficient survey method for populations in Alberta. Disturbance experiments were conducted using a pedestrian to determine the range a disturbance response is elicited. The relationship between swan breeding productivity and distances to landscape human features around nesting lakes was examined using linear regressions. Trumpeter Swans had a maximum escape distance of 1179 m and an average escape distance of 736±46 m (n=19). Disturbance models involving well sites (p=0.033), power lines (p=0.004), and cut lines (p=0.032) in 2010 were significant. Stratified Random Sampling accurately estimated Trumpeter Swan populations in 2000 and 2005 using strata of 0, 1-50, 51-100, and 101+ swans per survey block.

• Subjects / Keywords

  • Trumpeter Swan
  • Cygnus buccinator
  • Stratified Random Sampling
  • Disturbance

• Graduation date

  Fall 2014

• Type of Item

  Thesis

• Degree

  Master of Science

• DOI

  https://doi.org/10.7939/R3F766G29

• License

  This thesis is made available by the University of Alberta Libraries with permission of the copyright owner solely for non-commercial purposes. This thesis, or any portion thereof, may not otherwise be copied or reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner, except to the extent permitted by Canadian copyright law.