MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESEARCH NEEDS 



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

 Dzinbal 1982, Wallen 1987). The extent of fidelity to natal areas by adults breeding for the first 

 time is unknown, but is likely to be strong. Colonization of currently unoccupied streams is likely 

 to be a rare event. Harlequins appear sensitive to human 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 Avith 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 1990). 

 Brood rearing areas in Idaho and Montana west of the Continental Divide 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 

 (Bengston and Ulfstrand 1971, Kuchel 1977). Given these factors, we recommend the following 

 management strategies on Harlequin streams: 



1) minimize unnecessary human activity along Harlequin streams during May through August; 



2) a stream buffer of > 50 m should be maintained on both sides of streams for most activities; 



roads and trails should be > 100 m fi'om streams and not visible fi'om the streams; 



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