Relationship Between Shoalgrass Distribution and Freshwater Availability: Implications for Wetland Conservation

Summary

The study evaluated the effects of grazing by wintering redhead ducks on shoalgrass throughout the Laguna Madre, determine if distribution of redheads are influenced by the proximity of freshwater wetlands.  And develop a conservation strategy that identifies priority areas for wetland protection or creation, if there is evidence to support the hypothesis that freshwater wetland distribution is influencing redhead use of the Laguna Madre. Core samples were collected across 12 zones to measure changes in rhizome biomass as it relates to redhead foraging. And weekly aerial surveys monitored redhead abundance and distribution in the Laguna Madre on adjacent freshwater wetlands.