Semester of Graduation

Summer 2026

Degree

Master of Renewable Natural Resources (SRNR)

Department

Renewable Natural Resources

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

Understanding demographic and behavioral processes underlying population dynamics is essential for effective wildlife management, especially for species subject to harvest pressure or experiencing population shifts. Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis) are currently undergoing a notable northward range expansion and are increasing in abundance across the southeastern United States, raising management concerns for both ecological and economic reasons. As a result, there is growing public support for a special Black-bellied Whistling-Duck-specific harvest season, yet little research has been conducted on this species, particularly within newly-established populations. To address this gap, I conducted this study with the goal of evaluating seasonal movements and demographic rates of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks breeding in Louisiana. I deployed light-level geolocators on box-nesting Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks in 2023–2025 to estimate wintering locations and assess whether individuals undertake long distance seasonal migrations. Contrary to expectations for a Neotropical-origin species undergoing rapid range expansion, results provided no evidence of long-distance movements. However, further inspection of light-level data revealed widespread artificial light at night, which can be used to infer proximity to human-developed areas. I quantified seasonal patterns of nighttime illumination and found exposure was strongly seasonal, indicating Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks frequently occupied or moved into illuminated environments during fall and winter. These patterns suggest adults make short-distance movements into anthropogenic landscapes during the nonbreeding season, potentially in response to perceived harvest pressure or increased access to resources. In addition, I developed a Bayesian integrated population model using six years (2020–2025) of nest monitoring and capture-recapture data from box-nesting Black-bellied Whistling Duck populations. Adult female survival rates were commensurate with other cavity-nesting waterfowl, and productivity was relatively high. In contrast, recruitment of locally produced ducklings to the box-nesting population was low, immigration was comparable to or greater than recruitment and the population growth rate was below equilibrium in most years. Together, this suggests local population dynamics were strongly influenced by dispersing juveniles rather than high site fidelity of locally produced ducklings. Overall, I found Louisiana Black-bellied Whistling-Duck populations are shaped by dispersal-driven dynamics and seasonal habitat shifts, highlighting the need for detailed understanding of movement, dispersal, and recruitment processes to inform sustainable management strategies.

Date

6-23-2026

Committee Chair

Michael Kaller

LSU Acknowledgement

1

LSU Accessibility Acknowledgment

1

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