and productivity, areas used at different seasons, habitat evaluation, and pre-action levels of 

 human activity and development. Monitored should continue to occur during and following the 

 action. Actions which particularly need attention include road, campsite, and trail construction 

 and upgrading, including any increased accessibility and changes in human use of the area; 

 actions which could result in changes to flow regimes or water quality, such as mining, road 

 building, timber harvest, industrial development, and water/hydroelectric development; changes 

 in fishing regulations which could change fishing use of the area; and building of structures such 

 as industrial areas, dams, or houses which will increase the access and use of a Harlequin stream. 

 Possibilities for mitigation and habitat restoration can be explored during these projects. 



2) What is the extent and nature of movements in breeding and wintering areas? 



This information is needed to determine the possibilities for naturally recolonizing new 

 and historic Harlequin occurrences; naturally supplementing existing occurrences, particularly 

 small populations; and the strength of natal and adult fidelity to particular sites. This information 

 is necessary in order to successfully model Harlequin populations and their stability, with both 

 breeding and wintering grounds data incorporated. 



Radio-telemetry may give quick results from the standpoint of local daily movements; 

 however, long distance (>5 km) movements may be relatively rare, and with limited numbers of 

 ducks radioed, may not be best for long distance movement detection. For long distance and 

 moves between years, visibly marking birds is best. 



Determining fidelity to natal areas will be a long term project; Montana has the strongest 

 start, with 250 birds banded on the breeding grounds since 1992. Sufficient information for 

 preliminary modeling should be available following the 1996 field season. Sufficient 

 information for final modeling could then be available following the 1998 field season, if 

 funding is continued for the project to that point. 



Much data is now available in relation to wintering grounds movements and additional 

 data is currently being collected in Washington, Alaska, and British Columbia. Sufficient 

 information for use in detailed population modeling should be available within 2 years. For an 

 accurate model, information is necessary from both the breeding and wintering grounds. 



3) Are distinct metapopulations (such as a Rocky Mountain breeding population) identifiable 

 within the Pacific range of the Harlequin Duck? 



A knowledge of the degree of genetic differences among and within wintering and 

 breeding subpopulations would allow an assessment of the appropriate management units for 

 various Harlequin conservation strategies. Dan Esler, Alaska National Biological Service, is 

 currently examining this question, primarily as it applies to wintering areas. 



4) What are the critical habitat components limiting Harlequin Duck breeding and wintering 

 populations? 



Harlequin Ducks use a wide variety of habitats on the breeding grounds, from forests to 

 tundra. Habitat usage should be documented over a large number of study areas to identify 

 common habitat components for comparison to available habitat; both large and small scale 

 components should be considered. 



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