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Date: 2008
Authors:
MARTIN J. FOLK, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
STEPHEN A. NESBITT, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
JEANNETTE M. PARKER, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
MARILYN G. SPALDING, University of Florida
STEPHEN B. BAYNES, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
KRISTEN L. CANDELORA, Florida Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
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Citation:
Folk, M. J., S. A. Nesbitt, J. M. Parker, M. G. Spalding, S. B. Baynes, and K. L. Candelora. 2008. Current status of nonmigratory whooping cranes in Florida. Proceedings of the North American Crane Workshop 10:7-12.
Abstract:
Two hundred eighty-nine nonmigratory whooping cranes (Grus americana) were released in Central Florida from 1993 to 2005. As of January 2006, we had monitored 50 birds (16 pairs) but suspect 10 others had also survived, for a population estimate of 60 birds. The sex ratio for monitored birds was 1:1. From 47 nest attempts (1999-2005), only 4 chicks have fledged and survived to independence. Efforts are underway to determine why recruitment has been lower than expected. Other challenges for the project have included birds colliding with power lines, dispersing beyond their normal range (beyond Florida), forming pair bonds with Florida sandhill cranes (G. canadensis pratensis), and venturing into urban settings. Birds were translocated in order to help solve the latter 2 problems. Of 9 translocations, 3 resulted in new long-term pair bonds.
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© 2008 North American Crane Working Group
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