JCSET | Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Graduate
Major
Wildlife Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Andrea Darracq
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are a harvested waterfowl species experiencing the adverse effects of habitat loss linked to increasing human activity. To mitigate these effects, wildlife managers often provide artificial nest boxes as substitutes for natural cavities. In western Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) maintains over 150 Wood Duck boxes but has observed anecdotal declines in nest success. While beneficial, nest boxes can create ecological traps such as brood parasitism, elevated temperatures, and predation, particularly when improperly placed or infrequently maintained. Despite numerous studies on nest success, fewer have examined the relationship between nest conditions, maternal health, and post-fledging survival. Our study explores the potential of non-invasive biomarkers, such as corticosterone (CORT) levels in eggshells as predictors of nest productivity and in maternal feathers as a predictor of nest success. Additionally, maternal and chick health indicators may offer further insight into reproductive outcomes of Wood Ducks nesting in artificial nest boxes. The objectives of our study are to: (1) evaluate environmental factors influencing Wood Duck health, nesting outcomes, and post-fledging survival; and (2) assess maternal, chick, and egg health measures as predictive tools. Monitoring of nests will begin in February/March 2025 and continue until the conclusion of nesting chronology in late July/early August. Following the field season, lab and data analyses will be conducted throughout the fall of 2025. Our results will offer insights into improved nest box management strategies, offering wildlife managers non-invasive tools to improve nesting outcomes for Wood Ducks in rapidly changing environments.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Watershed Studies Institute Research Symposium
Evaluating Connections between Environmental Conditions, Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) Health Biomarkers, Nest Outcomes, and Duckling Survival
Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa) are a harvested waterfowl species experiencing the adverse effects of habitat loss linked to increasing human activity. To mitigate these effects, wildlife managers often provide artificial nest boxes as substitutes for natural cavities. In western Kentucky, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) maintains over 150 Wood Duck boxes but has observed anecdotal declines in nest success. While beneficial, nest boxes can create ecological traps such as brood parasitism, elevated temperatures, and predation, particularly when improperly placed or infrequently maintained. Despite numerous studies on nest success, fewer have examined the relationship between nest conditions, maternal health, and post-fledging survival. Our study explores the potential of non-invasive biomarkers, such as corticosterone (CORT) levels in eggshells as predictors of nest productivity and in maternal feathers as a predictor of nest success. Additionally, maternal and chick health indicators may offer further insight into reproductive outcomes of Wood Ducks nesting in artificial nest boxes. The objectives of our study are to: (1) evaluate environmental factors influencing Wood Duck health, nesting outcomes, and post-fledging survival; and (2) assess maternal, chick, and egg health measures as predictive tools. Monitoring of nests will begin in February/March 2025 and continue until the conclusion of nesting chronology in late July/early August. Following the field season, lab and data analyses will be conducted throughout the fall of 2025. Our results will offer insights into improved nest box management strategies, offering wildlife managers non-invasive tools to improve nesting outcomes for Wood Ducks in rapidly changing environments.
