Conservation Projects Ontario Study of Sandhill Cranes on Lake Huron 2010-11
Population size, productivity, and migratory habits of the Eastern Population of Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) staging and breeding along the North Shore of Lake Huron, Ontario during fall 2010-11
Goals and Objectives
This project will provide crucial population data that was requested of Environment Canada to determine if a controlled harvest of cranes in Ontario would be sustainable. We will initially collect data specific to population size (2009), and will address several other aspects of Sandhill Crane life-history and habitat use as this project transitions into an M.Sc. research project (i.e., between the 2009 and 2010 field season). This research will advance our scientific understanding of this population of cranes, and will help government agencies make future management decisions. Further, by conducting research during the migratory/staging period, critical foraging and staging areas will be identified. As is the case with all long-distance migrants, those habitats that provide high energy forage during staging and migratory periods are vital targets for the conservation and management of that species.
Activities
During the fall of 2009, roost surveys are being performed to get an estimate of the peak fall staging population in the study area. These surveys will provide the first, contemporary estimate of the geographic extent and size of the crane population using the Algoma/Manitoulin Island region of Ontario. During the 2009 field season, productivity surveys are also being performed. The purpose of these surveys is to determine the relative number of adult and juvenile cranes in the study area and to develop a current age ratio for the population. This age ratio will be used to estimate the productivity (i.e., adult pairs:juveniles) of the population. This is a multi-year project and additional hypotheses/objectives will be developed between field seasons (i.e., population estimate and productivity in 2009, migratory habits, habitat use, body condition in 2010 onwards) in conjunction with CWS/EC and OMNR. During the 2010 field season we will collect additional information on the migratory movements, and staging behaviour of birds in this population. Additionally, satellite transmitters (with GPS capabilities) will be placed on at least 10 birds as they will provide additional data pertaining to: 1) migration patterns; 2) duration of stay in the Algoma/Manitoulin Island region; 3) important staging, foraging, breeding and wintering habitats; 4) levels of philopatry to breeding, staging and wintering areas; and 5) population mixing between Eastern and Mid-continent Sandhill Crane populations. The structural size of Sandhill Cranes will permit the use of solar powered GPS-based PTT units which will provide long-term (likely 3-4 years) tracking data as well as multiple daily locations. Since cranes spend large portions of their annual cycle in remote regions where they can be difficult to locate, this tracking information will provide critical information pertaining to the movement patterns and habitat use/requirements of cranes throughout the annual cycle.
Specific Habitat Products/Results to be Supported by WHC’s Contributions
This project will identify critical staging habitats (specifically roosting wetlands) for EP cranes that should be considered for future securement/protection/enhancement initiatives.
Benefits to Waterfowl, Wetlands-Associated Species, and/or Other Wildlife
The main beneficiary of this research is the study species, the Greater Sandhill Crane (Grus canadensis tabida). We currently have a very limited understanding of the population dynamics, habitat use or movements of Ontario’s rapidly expanding crane population. The knowledge gained through this research project is essential to making informed decisions pertaining to the future management of Sandhill Cranes in Ontario. Any habitat protection/enhancement measures that result from this study would benefit many other wetland-associated species.
Relevance to Habitat Planning, Decision Making and/or Management
The results of this research will contribute to the management of EP cranes at the flyway level as well as more specifically in northern Ontario. Organizations such as the Canadian Wildlife Service, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters will benefit directly from this project in the form of scientific knowledge that will be invaluable for future management of EP cranes. Further, individual hunting organizations and hunters will benefit directly and extensively from this research if a season is opened in the area through personal enjoyment and the provision of food. Management actions based on this research will possibly also benefit agricultural producers that are currently suffering from significant rates of crop depredation from cranes.
Project Location
The primary study area extends along the North Shore of Lake Huron between Massey (to the east) and Pumpkin Point on Lake George (to the west). The study area extends south to include all of Manitoulin and St. Joseph Islands and north to the southern boundary of the mixed-wood forest/agricultural land interface. Secondary observation sites (to address the provincial population estimate objective) exist at Timmins and New Liskeard, Ontario. The landscape used by cranes ranges from agricultural land (during the day) to remote wetland roosts (at night). Migratory game bird hunting is permitted at the majority of study sites, though cranes are currently not a harvestable species in Ontario.