conducted in the wilderness portions of FNF, it is not 

 possible to estimate the relative abundance of harlequins in 

 this area by comparing the number of sightings, broods and 

 individuals over several breeding seasons. 



CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 



Results of this study suggest harlequins are localized 

 and uncommon in the wilderness portions of Flathead National 

 Forest. This is consistent with findings in similar studies 

 conducted in northern Idaho and Montana (Wallen and Groves 

 1989, Carlson 1990) . Harlequins have been consistently 

 reported in low number in the Rocky Mountain breeding areas 

 (Wallen and Groves 1989, Carlson 1990, Kuchel 1977) . This 

 inherent low density, combined with the extensive 

 modification and loss of breeding habitat via human 

 activities (such as dam building, stream-side development 

 and water quality degradation) warrants a high level of 

 protection for the Harlequin Duck and its remaining habitat. 



A significant potential impact on the breeding 

 population in the wilderness areas of FNF is recreational 



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