Ring-necked Pheasant Stocking Effects on Breeding Bird Populations in Southeastern Alberta
Ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) are non-native upland birds introduced
worldwide for hunting purposes. In Alberta, they have been introduced since 1908 at designated
release sites across the province to promote hunting and recreation. Previous research in the
Boyce lab by Tammy McLash showed that spring breeding densities of ring-necked pheasants
were lower near release sites in the Eastern Irrigation District near Brooks, Alberta. This research
will attempt to better understand the factors leading to the lowered density of breeding pheasants
near release sites by examining spatial changes in predator density and hunting disturbances
using a combination of active and remote survey methods. We will also resurvey avian
assemblages in this area and examine spatial and temporal effects of pheasant stocking sites on
the distribution of breeding bird communities over the last two decades. The Eastern Irrigation
District also funds a Partners in Habitat Development program to enhance habitat for pheasants
and other wildlife in the area. We will use resource selection functions to update habitat selection
models to evaluate how pheasants and grassland birds respond to these habitat enhancements
over time. This research will seek to address questions related to the impact of gamebird release
as well as habitat restoration on breeding birds in Southern Alberta. This research will be
conducted in collaboration with the Eastern Irrigation District, Pheasants Forever, and the
Alberta Conservation Association.
Email: dnadeau1@ualberta.ca
