site research to measure sap pressures in twigs and stems, indicative of moisture 

 deficit effects on trees. 



A portable battery-operated centrifuge was devised for the Wildlife Research 

 Section for field processing of blood samples taken from upland game. 



WILDLIFE SECTION 



The wildlife research programme has been developed to support the manage- 

 ment of economically important birds and mammals in the province. Research 

 units have been organized around related species of animals. There is no regional 

 organization nor is one anticipated. 



Close co-operation continued between the Wildlife Research Section, Wildlife 

 Management personnel and outside agencies. Various kinds of assistance were 

 given to, and received from, the Department of Parasitology of the Ontario Research 

 Foundation, the University of Toronto, McMaster University, Canada Department 

 of Agriculture, Ontario Department of Health and other organizations. A contract 

 with the University of Guelph (Department of Zoology, Ontario Agricultural 

 College and the Ontario Veterinary College) provided specialized services to the 

 Department of Lands and Forests for research into viral and bacterial infections of 

 wildlife, game bird nutrition and serum proteins of waterfowl. 



Three research projects applicable to the livelihood of Indians, assessment of 

 beaver populations in the Patricia Districts, analysis of fur harvest statistics and 

 populations and ecology of caribou, were supported under the Resources Develop- 

 ment Agreement with the Federal Government. 



Members of the Wildlife Section represented the Department on the Mississippi 

 Flyway Council, the Great Lakes Deer Group, and other international and national 

 committees concerned with wildlife research and management. Close contact was 

 also maintained with numerous Universities, Game Departments and other wildlife 

 organizations throughout North America and Europe. 



Wildlife Research Station 



The Wildlife Research Station and its research area of some 50 square miles 

 in Algonquin Park continued to be the centre for much of the Department's research 

 on wildlife ecology. As in the past, the Station has proved to be of great value 

 for basic studies which are difficult to conduct in other areas of the province where 

 trapping and hunting interfere with many of the natural relationships between 

 animals and their environment. Associated with the Department in research at 

 this Station were scientists from many organizations. Facilities and accommodation 

 were provided for varying lengths of time to 88 workers from outside the Research 

 Branch. 



The various research projects and the captive animals, wolves, coyotes, deer 

 and moose, which were used for studies of nutrition and reproduction, were of 

 considerable interest to scientists and tourists. Over one thousand persons visited 

 the Station and were informed about the work that was being done. Many others 

 could not be accommodated because research duties had to be given priority over 

 the guiding of visitors. Over many years it has become apparent that tours of this 

 research establishment have been well accepted by tourists and others who visit 

 Algonquin Park. They are an excellent means of informing the public about 

 wildlife research and management conducted by the Department. 



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