Breeding Ecology of Raptors Breeding near Rankin Inlet, NU

Nestling survival is known to decrease with lay date (Anctil et al. In Press). Although this pattern is consistent with one aspect of the condition-dependent model, the data describe only a single breeding season. The objective of this project is to use a 30 year data set to investigate the relationship among arrival date, clutch size and a crude measure of body condition (body weight). In addition, the graduate student responsible for this project will use archived blood samples (2008-2012) as well as those collected in 2013 to examine the relationship between physiological stress markers (e.g., corticosterone) to assess the relationships between body condition, arrival date, lay date, clutch size, and reproductive success. In addition, the intern will compare these variables for birds breeding near to and away from industrial development. Results will be made available to industry collaborators and other contributors to aid in the management of this species.

Faculty Supervisor:

Joel Bety;Alastair Franke

Student:

Partner:

Agnico-Eagle Mines-Ontario

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Mining

University:

Université du Québec à Rimouski; University of Alberta

Program: