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Influence of acidity and competition with fish on the development of ducklings in Quebec

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Abstract

In Quebec, in 1984 and 1985, a number of American Black Duck (Anas rubripes) and Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) ducklings were reared on two acid lakes (pH 4.8 to 5.0) and one circumneutral lake (pH 6.0) in which the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) populations had been manipulated. This allowed us to determine how acidity and competition with fish affected duckling feeding and growth. Strong acidity and the presence of fish were both required before the birds' development was restricted, the Black Duck being particularly affected. This result supports hypotheses on competition between fish and some waterfowl species.

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DesGranges, J.L., Rodrigue, J. Influence of acidity and competition with fish on the development of ducklings in Quebec. Water Air Soil Pollut 30, 743–750 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303340

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00303340

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