Bird Research: Trumpeter Swan Ecology and Restoration

Objectives of this project include: define and identify suitable habitat for release of captive-raised swans; identify mute swan pairs for cross-fostering; determine the effectiveness of various restoration techniques and strategies in Wisconsin and elsewhere in establishing a self-sustaining, migratory, and breeding population of trumpeter swans; and identify factors that limit or enhance the success of these techniques.

Background

The trumpeter swan was extirpated from most of its North American breeding range, including Wisconsin, by 1900. The DNR initiated a long-term restoration program in 1987 to attain the goal of a free-flying, breeding, and migratory flock of at least 20 pairs.

The program utilizes a number of reintroduction techniques that have met with mixed success elsewhere, including cross-fostering under feral mute swans, the release of sub-adults raised in captivity, and the release of breeding pairs.

The effectiveness of various trumpeter swan reintroduction techniques and possible modifications has not been determined, nor have the factors limiting or enhancing their success been clearly identified. This information is critical to the program´s success, as is the identification of suitable release habitat and foster parent pairs.

This study will provide background information for land managers to identify suitable sites and cross-foster parents for swan stocking and to preserve adequate habitat for future efforts. It will allow managers to identify problems and thus avoid them in the future. This study will also help maximize population growth of this species, which has a low reproductive potential.

For more information on this topic, please contact:
Michael Mossman
(608) 221-6346