The past decade has seen a huge increase in the interest and attention directed toward sea ducks, the Mergini tribe. This has been inspired, in large part, by the conservation concerns associated with numerical declines in several sea duck species and populations, as well as a growing appreciation for their interesting ecological attributes. Reflec

The past decade has seen a huge increase in the interest and attention directed toward sea ducks, the Mergini tribe. This has been inspired, in large part, by the conservation concerns associated with numerical declines in several sea duck species and populations, as well as a growing appreciation for their interesting ecological attributes. Reflecting the considerable research recently conducted on this tribe, Ecology and Conservation of North American Sea Ducks examines the 15 extant species of sea ducks from North America. Chapters are organized conceptually to focus on, compare, and contrast the ecological attributes of the tribe. Experts provide in-depth treatments of a range of topics, including: Population dynamics and genetics Infectious diseases and parasites Breeding costs and cross-seasonal affects Contaminant burdens Foraging behavior and energetics Migration strategies, molt ecology, and habitat affinities and dynamics Breeding systems and reproductive behavior Harvest history The book presents a comprehensive synthesis of sea duck ecology, documents factors that have caused population declines of some species, and provides managers with measures to enhance recovery of depressed populations of sea ducks in North America. Capturing the current state of knowledge of this unique tribe, it provides a benchmark for where we are in conservation efforts and suggests future directions for researchers, managers, students, conservationists, and avian enthusiasts.

Shortlisted for the 2018 TWS Wildlife Publication Awards in the edited book categoryLesser Prairie-Chickens have experienced substantial declines in terms of population and the extent of area that they occupy. While they are an elusive species, making it difficult at times to monitor them, current evidence indicates that they have been persistently

Golden-winged Warblers (Vermivora chrysoptera) are migratory songbirds that breed in temperate North America, primarily in the Great Lakes region with remnant populations throughout the Appalachian Mountains, and winter in Central and northern South America. Their breeding range has contracted dramatically in the Appalachian Mountains and many populations have dramatically declined, likely due to habitat loss, competition and interbreeding with Blue-winged Warblers (Vermivora pinus), andglobal climate change.. As a result of population declines in much of the eastern portion of their breeding range, Golden-winged Warblers are listed as endangered or threatened in 10 U.S. states and in Canada and have been petitioned for protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Published in collaboration with and on behalf of The American Ornithological Society, this volume in the highly-regarded Studies in Avian Biology series compiles extensive, current research on Golden-winged Warblers and summarizes what is known and identifies many remaining unknowns, providing a wealth of peer-reviewed science on which future research and listing decisions can be based.

The 40 or so species of beach-loving plovers (genus Charadrius) comprise a diverse group of shorebirds found around the world. Most of these species are challenged by changing climates and other human-related development activities, yet they provide key insights into basic ecological and evolutionary processes. The expert international contributors take a comparative approach, presenting examples from many worldwide plover studies and synthesizing the group’s most pressing and important topics. The book further presents an emphasis on full life-cycle biology, including the importance of examining migratory connectivity issues, even for non-migratory plovers. Color pages were planned and approved for some pages in this volume, but due to a printing error some copies have incorrectly been released with these pages printed in black and white. Replacement copies with the correct color in place can be obtained upon request by contacting [email protected]. CRC Press extends apologies to any customers affected by this error and for the inconvenience caused. Key Features Serves as a fundamental resource for conservation practitioners Detailed overview of a widely distributed group of shorebirds Authored by renowned specialists who present theoretical and applied perspectives Emphasis on comparative and synthetic approach in all chapters Related Titles McComb, B. et al. Monitoring Animal Populations and Their Habitats: A Practitioner’s Guide (ISBN 978-0-4291-3827-0). Garvey, J. E. & M. R. Whiles. Trophic Ecology (ISBN 978-1-4987-5846-8). Dewdney, A. K. Stochastic Communities: A Mathematical Theory of Biodiversity (ISBN 978-1-1381-9702-2).

"The editors have brought together a volume of papers and essays written by tribal fish and wildlife managers and researchers about the work they do. This book will help wildlife professionals and conservationists in private and public sectors draw lessons from the expertise of indigenous peoples in North America, and advise them on how best to incorporate long-established successful Native methods in their own practices"--