This study was conducted to identify aspects of the breeding ecology of white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in British Columbia and to develop a management plan to preserve and enhance white pelicans and their habitat in British Columbia. Field studies were conducted during the breeding seasons from 1977 to 1980. The major migratory route of white pelicans in British Columbia occurs in the Okanagan Valley. Pelicans arrive at Stum Lake, the only known breeding location in British Columbia, in mid April and remain on the Fraser Plateau until late September. Eighty-three percent of all pelicans observed in British Columbia during the summer were located within 80 km of the breeding lake. Chilcotin Lake, approximately 70 km west of Stum Lake, was the primary foraging site during the study. Identification of bone samples collected on the breeding island indicate that pelicans in British Columbia prey chiefly on non-game fish species, such as sucker (Catostomus spp.). Pelicans at Stum Lake selected flat unvegetated areas to nest. The presence of herring gulls (Larus argentatus) did not appear to affect their nesting distribution. Inter-nest distances were calculated in 1977 and 1978 and found to be similar to distances recorded for other white pelican colonies in North America. Mean clutch size of white pelicans at Stum Lake during years without disturbance was 1.95 ± 0.21. Mean egg mortality was 10% of all eggs laid. Nest abandonment was the major mortality factor. Nestling and fledgling mortality claimed a further 26% and 20% respectively, of all eggs laid. Total mortality of young during 1977 and 1978 was 56% of all eggs produced. In years when coyote predation or human disturbance occurred, survivorship of young, and overall productivity of the colony was reduced. The potential impact of coyote predation and human disturbance were examined over longer periods by using a simple simulation model. The results of this study were discussed in terms of potential management practices that would enhance white pelicans in British Columbia. / Forestry, Faculty of / Graduate

Because little is known about juvenile American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) this study was conducted to gather more information on disease, general ecology and growth of American White Pelicans from hatching to fledging. In July 2011, American White Pelican regurgitate samples from North and South Dakota sub-colonies were collected/analyzed in preparation for a captive trial. Nutrient content compared between the colonies was found to be significantly different. Concentrations of Immunoglobulin Y and A in regurgitate samples were significantly different between colonies. A captive trial began 29 May 2012 and ended 30 July 2012, in which 16 American White Pelicans were hand raised from hatching to fledging. During the captive trial, various growth parameters, intake and fecal output were examined to determine the effect of the parasite Bolbophorus damnificus in 8 infected and 8 non-infected (parasite free) pelicans. Growth data collected on B. damnificus infected (n = 8) American White Pelicans was compared to previously mentioned parasiteree pelicans (n = 8) to determine effects of the parasite. There were no differences between groups for culmen length (P= 0.214), tarsal length (P = 0.306), body weight (P = 0.884) or intake (P = 0.963). There was also no effect of the parasite on body temperature. Towards the end of the captive trial, several pelicans both on (n = 16) and off (n = 11) trial became naturally infected with West Nile Virus. Clinical symptoms ranged from lethargy and/or wing droop to total paralysis. Progression of disease is detailed in two well-defined case studies with additional information included on clinical signs, physiological parameters, and a review of the pathology of disease for other infected birds.

Thesis (M.S.)--Montana State University--Bozeman, 2007. / Typescript. Chairperson, Graduate Committee: Gregory D. Johnson. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 60-66).

The effects of aquaculture decline on piscivorous birds in the Mississippi Delta concern catfish farmers with possible increases in fish loss and disease transmission. My study was aimed to (1) develop a new harassment method using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to effectively control piscivorous birds at fish farms; (2) determine change in spatial distribution of American white pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) in the Mississippi Delta since aquaculture decline; and (3) determine third-order habitat selection by the pelicans in the wintering grounds. The UAV harassment did not reduce piscivorous bird abundance more than human harassment in a 2-year field experiment. Aerial surveys demonstrate that the pelicans used natural water bodies to find food more frequently in 2015–2017 than in 1997–1999. Average pelican flock size decreased following the aquaculture decline. Lastly, land cover and land use did not predict fine-scale habitat selection by the pelican.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file (viewed on October 9, 2007) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, poses a substantial threat to catfish aquaculture, causing significant economic losses. Infestations lead to suppressed feed consumption, secondary bacterial infections and poor production performance. Survey data reveals widespread infestation in the in the southeastern United States. Current control strategies involve the application of a concentrated copper sulfate solution to reduce snail populations which serve as the first intermediate host of the trematode life cycle. This study aimed to improve treatment efficacy by developing a granular copper sulfate application system. A modified Gandy fertilizer applicator, equipped with a programmable control system, demonstrated accurate distribution of copper sulfate crystals along pond margins at various speeds. Granular copper sulfate was effective in killing snails along the pond margins at treatment rates between 1-3 ppm. The innovative system offers a practical, single-pass solution to combat trematode infestations in catfish ponds and minimizes logistical challenges associated with multiple applications.