Research programs dealt with the ecology, taxonomy, 

 behavior and parasitological relationships of white tailed 

 deer, timber wolves, black bears, beaver, marten, ground 

 hogs, varying hare, mice, shrews, chipmunks and squirrels 

 as well as waterfowl, songbirds, black flies, mosquitoes, 

 fleas, mites and ticks. 



FURBEARERS 



Three projects dealing with beaver were conducted: An 

 annual census of population levels in the Algonquin Pro- 

 vincial Park area; an annual survey of levels and distribu- 

 tions of populations in Patricia Central and West; and an 

 investigation of population levels and distributions in the 

 Indian Band area of Round Lake. An aerial survey of the 

 Park beaver population, based upon an eight per cent 

 sample, indicated a 35 per cent increase over the preceding 

 year. 



Over 400 otter carcases, previously collected, were 

 examined; they yielded useful and interesting information. 

 Male otters reach sexual maturity at two years and have an 

 activity pattern that peaks in April and May. The cubs are 

 born in April. The existence of the phenomenon of delayed 

 implantation was confirmed. 



WILDLIFE DISEASES 

 AND PARASITES 



The surveillance of the occurrences of diseases and para- 

 sites of wildlife continued; 107 specimens (61 mammalian 

 and 46 avian) were processed. The Manual of Common 

 Parasites, Diseases and Anomalies of Wildlife of Ontario, 

 used by Fish and Wildlife field staff, was reprinted with the 

 addition of four common parasites. 



Two provincial surveys to determine the status of the 

 kidney worm have been completed. The parasite was re- 

 covered from 1.5% of 126 weasels, 2.2% of 90 otters, 1% 

 of 1,102 timber wolves, 0.9% of 854 coyotes, and 18% of 

 3,741 mink. 



A manuscript, dealing in part with the incidence and 

 frequency of occurrence of the kidney worm in Ontario, 

 was prepared for inclusion in the book, "Diseases of Wild- 

 life", being published by Iowa State University Press. 



A complete parasitological and pathological examina- 

 tion of 68 beaver taken in a beaver population reduction 

 program in the Chapleau district revealed that 97 per cent 

 hosted some form of parasite. 



A study of moose diseases and parasites in Chapleau 

 Crown Game Preserve indicates that the black bear may be 



a final host of the tapeworm, Taenia krabbei, a role formerly 

 considered to be played only by the wolf. Studies are con- 

 tinuing to determine if there is any difference in the mor- 

 phology of the adult worm as it occurs in bears and wolves. 



The red fox was the major wildlife vector in the spread of 

 rabies, followed by skunks. 



Various techniques for age determination of foxes were 

 tested. Tooth cementum annuli, prepared by a simple 

 grinding process, is now the method used. 



The unit has undertaken the development of a suitable 

 baiting technique to administer an oral rabies vaccine to 

 wildlife, particularly foxes. 



UPLAND GAME AND WATERFOWL 



Studies of food habits of four species of grouse reveal 

 that catkin-bearing trees and shrubs, such as trembling 

 aspen, the birches, ironwood and hazel, are important in 

 the winter diet of ruffed and sharptailed grouse. The spruce 

 grouse feeds almost entirely on jack pine, while the willow 

 ptarmigan depends upon willow buds. 



The aerial survey of productivity of Canada and snow 

 geese in the James Bay-Southeastern Hudson Bay region 

 showed that snow geese are down but that Canada geese 

 had a good year. 



The Kinoje Lake nesting study of Canada geese was con- 

 tinued with co-operation from six states of the Mississippi 

 Flyway. Data were collected on changes in clutch sizes, 

 desertion, predation, egg measurements, nest site charac- 

 teristics, temperatures, water levels, break up, and plant 

 and animal phenology. 



BIG GAME 



A study to examine the relationships between a group of 

 deer and its environment was conducted at two locations, 

 one in the Tweed district (Canonto study area), the other in 

 the Parry Sound district (Pakesley study area). Emphasis was 

 placed on basic productivity of the herd and hunting mor- 

 tality to determine a standard to which other range types 

 and population levels may be compared and to aid in 

 interpretation of kill statistics. 



A report on the effects of snow cover on mobility and 

 local distribution of deer in Algonquin Provincial Park was 

 prepared. 



An assessment of the effects on deer activity of deer 

 range improvement practices in a hemlock-hardwood deer 

 yard was carried out and will continue with browse surveys, 

 crotising counts and track counts. 



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