  
FGA Leads the Way in Duck Research
Field and Game Australia has established a new research project that will provide important duck season information in years to come.
Field and Game Australia members collected over 600 samples from shot birds for analysis during the 2009 waterfowl season and this week every one of those samples has been studied and recorded.
|
Dr Graham Hall of the School of Animal Studies, The University of Queensland and DSE Game Manager Heath Dunstan spent many hours determining the species, sex and age characteristics of the birds shot at different locations and times through the season.
“FGA is keen to collect data that will contribute to the development of a robust Adaptive Harvest Management (AHM) model and contribute to the better understanding of waterfowl in Victoria,” said Dr Hall. |
 |
Until now Victoria has been limited to various departmental surveys and data collections, and the Eastern Australian Waterbird Count. These limitations have resulted in public disquiet about the sustainable management of the waterbird resource.
During the 2009 season members were asked to provide the head and one complete wing of ducks taken. The site location and harvest date for each sample was recorded and the following measurements taken:
|
Species was determined
The sex of the bird for those species that are sexually dimorphic
Wing notch length, for estimating age
Length of Primary feathers 1 (distal) and 10 (proximal), for ageing purposes |
 |
A small number of samples were returned to the freezer, labelled by species and location, for DNA analysis at a later date.
“Given this attempt at data collection of harvested birds was the first held in Victoria, the collection of 621 samples was a noteworthy start,” said Dr Hall.
“The collection of samples from harvested ducks in Victoria in 2009 was seen as a trial, but the success of the program suggests it should be broadened and made a regular event. I really do hope that FGA can expand the data collection program to more areas and for more times during the season. It really is very valuable work,” said Dr Hall.
Left: Dr Graham Hall - Wildlife Biologist
Right: Mr Heath Dunstan - DSE Game Manager | 
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
;)
