Perhaps the least 'sexy' of the mallard research projects, monitoring trends in mallard populations is nonetheless the foundation from which all other research and management responses are driven.
If we don't know what the population is doing how do we know when to intervene and whether any outcome is achieved.
Currently a handful of Fish & Game regions undertake an array of surveys to monitor fluctuations and longer term trends in mallard numbers within their boundaries.
It is the aim of this research project to establish mallard management areas based on mallard population boundaries rather than Fish & Game boundaries. The physical attributes of the area to be monitored, the precision of the information required, and decisions based on this will determine the technique.
Latest Update
A research outline has been produced providing options for identifying the annual status of mallard populations in Duck Management Units (DMU) across the country. Click here for more information.