MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESEARCH NEEDS 



Adult Harlequins show strong fidelity to breeding sites (Bengtson 1972, Kuchel 1977, 

 Dzinbal 1982, Wallen 1987, Reichel and Center 1994). The extent of fidelity to natal areas by 

 adults breeding for the first time is unknovsoi, but is likely to be strong. Colonization of currently 

 unoccupied streams is likely to be a rare event. Harlequins appear sensitive to human o 

 disturbance (Clarkson 1992, Cassirer and Groves 1991). Repeated disturbances may discourage 

 nesting at traditional sites and reduce productivity (Rodrick and Milner 1991). However, 

 proximity to trails and roads does not always correlate with reduced reproductive success. Sixty 

 percent of Harlequin sites were within 50 m of trails on the Rocky Mountain Front (Diamond 

 and Finnegan 1992). In this case, most Harlequin streams are located in roadless or wilderness 

 areas and receive limited human activity prior to or during the nesting period. "»>;/. ■ •>■ 



Mid-stream loafing sites are important in breeding areas (Cassirer and Groves 1 990). 

 Brood rearing areas in Idaho and Montana west of the Continental Divide typically have a dense 

 shrub or timber/shrub mosaic on the banks (Cassirer and Groves 1989, Gangemi 1991). East of 

 the Divide in Montana stream banks are more open, and most observation sites had banks 

 composed of gravel, grass-forb, or bedrock habitat (Diamond and Finnegan 1992, Markum and 

 Center 1990). Low benthic macroinvertebrate biomass may limit the number and productivity of 

 Harlequins (Bengtson and Ulfstrand 1971, Kuchel 1977). A Harlequin Duck Conservation 

 Strategy is currently being written for the Northern Rocky Mountains and a draft should be 

 available in spring of 1995. It will include management recommendations, monitoring and 

 surveying protocols, and, research priorities. In the interim, we recommend the following 

 management strategies on Harlequin streams: 



