Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus) management plan: chapter 4

MANAGEMENT

4.1  Population Goal

The population goals of this management plan are based on the goals outlined in the original Harlequin Duck Recovery Plan (Montevecchi et al. 1995). The initial goal of that plan was to achieve a sustained population of 2000 individuals wintering within eastern North America for at least three of five consecutive years by 2005, followed by the long term goal of at least 3000 wintering individuals (with at least 1000 adult females) for at least three of five consecutive years by 2010 (Montevecchi et al. 1995).

In following with the priorities of the original Recovery Plan, the long term goal of this management plan is to recover the Harlequin Duck population in eastern Canada by increasing the population to have at least 3000 individuals wintering in eastern North America for three of five consecutive years with at least 1000 breeding aged females.  This reflects the goal of the original Recovery Plan that was based on a minimum viable population analysis conducted with demographic data from the Iceland population of Harlequin Ducks (Montevecchi et al. 1995).  If future population models, that are based on eastern North American demographic data, suggest that 3000 individuals does not constitute a sustainable population then the alternate goal will be to increase the population and habitat recovery goals accordingly, to ultimately allow for removal from the Species at Risk Act legal species list, and related Provincial species at risk lists.

4.2    Objectives

1.     Clarify possible threats to the species and outline a regime(s) to address these issues.

2.     Assess population status.

3.     Identify, protect and manage important areas for breeding, moulting, wintering, and staging habitat.

4.     Work with governments, industry, aboriginal groups, and private citizens to identify the threats to the Harlequin Duck, and work toward eliminating or reducing these threats.

5.     Identify targeted groups for education and stewardship initiatives on Harlequin Duck issues, and develop appropriate campaigns and programs.

6.     Conduct gap analysis to determine shortcomings in knowledge of the Harlequin Duck. 

7.     Engage Greenland in further collaboration with Canada regarding Harlequin Duck conservation.

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