In January 2018, Jenn Sheppard was awarded a PhD for her thesis on breeding ecology and productivity on mallard ducks in New Zealand.
Her research over two years beginning in 2014 involved tracking over 300 female mallards from the Waikato and Southland fitted with radio transmitters – to investigate the survival rates of nests, females, and ducklings – and to identify important nesting habitats.
These valuable results were used to develop population models and to identify the factors that affect population growth, and provide management recommendations.
Jenn Sheppard dedicated her thesis “to all the keen duck hunters of New Zealand who ‘go for green’ and remain within the limit.”
To read Jenn’s work, click here