Photo by Jessie Turner Invading Michigan’s Waters Mute Swans A growing threat to native animals,...
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Transcript of Photo by Jessie Turner Invading Michigan’s Waters Mute Swans A growing threat to native animals,...
Photo by Jessie Turner
Invading Michigan’s Waters
Mute Swans
A growing threat to native animals,
habitat, and humans
Definitions
Native: species that occur naturally in a given area or region
Non-Native: species that, due to direct or indirect human activity, occurs in locations beyond its known historical or potential natural range. Refers to species from another continent, region, ecosystem, or habitat.
Invasive: non-native species that become established, spread widely, and cause environmental or economic harm or harm to human health
History of Mute Swansin Michigan
Non-native and Invasive
Native to Eurasia
One pair introduced in Charlevoix County in 1919
47 birds by 1949
A southern flock was later established in SW Michigan
15,500 mute swans in 2010
Numbers increasing rapidly
All North American mute swans originated from releases or escapes
Photo by Jessie Turner
Why are Mute Swans a Problem?
Threaten humans
Endanger native wildlife
Destroy wetland habitat
Photo by Jessie Turner
Threaten Humans
Show little fear of people
Known to attack people in both boats and on shore
Potentially dangerous conflicts
As mute swan populations grow, so do conflicts
Nik Taylor Photography
Nordic Photos/Superstock
Endanger Native Wildlife
Very territorial during nesting and raising of young
Drive out native waterfowl and other wetland bird species from breeding areas Birds at risk include state threatened trumpeter swan
and common loon; native ducks, and Canada geese
May be worse in areas where wetland loss has reduced suitable waterfowl breeding habitat
Mute swans are one of the world’s most aggressive waterfowl
Photo by http://www.thefreequark.com/
Destroy Wetland Habitat
A single mute swan can consume 4-8 lbs. of wetland plants a day
Sometimes uproot and destroy plants completely
Wetland plants are important in aquatic ecosystems to provide food and cover for native birds, fish, and invertebrates
Loss of native wetland plants is detrimental
to the ecosystem
Photo by Mark Knee
Michigan’s Swan Species
Mute SwanNon-native
Tundra SwanNative
Trumpeter SwanNative
Photo courtesy of: US Fish & Wildlife service
Photo by Jessie TurnerPhoto courtesy of: stockvault.net Photo courtesy of: dreamstime.comPhoto courtesy of: National Geographic
Trumpeter SwanA Native Beauty
Native to Michigan
Threatened status
Mute swans threaten breeding success
Photo by Jim Ridley
Mute Swan Numbers Increasing Rapidly
Sauer, J. R., J. E. Hines, J. E. Fallon, K. L. Pardieck, D. J. Ziolkowski, Jr., and W. A. Link. 2011. The North American Breeding Bird Survey, Results and Analysis 1966 - 2009. Version 3.23.2011 USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, MD
A Growing Problem Population growth of about 9-10% annually
In 10 years, the number of mute swans has nearly tripled
Population model predicts 19,400-24,200 mute swans by 2015 if we do nothing
Michigan has the highest number of mute swans in North America
Year
Popula
tion
Mute Swan Population Goals
Short-term goals (5-year):Reduce the mute swan population to zero on DNR
landsReduce the statewide mute swan population
growth to zero on all other lands
Long-term goal (20-year):To maintain a spring population less than 2,000
mute swans throughout Michigan
What is the DNR Doing?Began local control activities in the 1960s due to
a growing concern of expanding mute swan numbers
Issue permits to remove mute swans and/or their nests and eggs
Follow Wildlife-Division’s Mute Swan Management and Control Program Policy and Procedures
Brought together a Mute Swan Forum
Mute Swan Management Efforts
Nest/egg destruction
Removal of birds
Both public and private lands
Photo by Jessie Turner
Why Remove Adults?Population model suggests that removing adults
is most effective for reducing numbers
Adult survival has greatest impact on population growth
Mortality typeNumber destroyed annually to stabilize
population
Nests destroyed 3,798
Eggs killed 18,990
Adults killed 1,485
Mute Swan AuthoritiesNo protection under federal law
Not listed in Federal Migratory Bird Treaty ActProtection removed in 2004 because not native
Under jurisdiction of states (Public Act 451 of 1994)
by Lori Niedenfuer Cool , Copyright 2007, The Grand Rapids Press. All rights reserved; used with permission.
Mute Swan State Authority Wildlife Conservation Order
Protects mute swans Mute swans and their eggs and nests may only be taken
under one of the following situations:To stabilize or reduce population levels or prevent
establishment of new populationsTo prevent interference with the establishment,
reestablishment, or reproductive success off native wildlife, threatened/endangered species, and native vegetation
To protect public health, safety or welfare Mute swans taken shall not be released back into the wild Allows for issuance of damage and nuisance animal control
permits Hunting mute swans is not allowed
Support for Mute Swan Management
There are many conservation groups that support the drastic reduction of mute swan numbers
The National Audubon SocietyThe Michigan Audubon SocietyDucks UnlimitedThe American Bird ConservancyAnd many more!
What Can You Do? You and your neighbors can help protect Michigan’s
natural resources, including the trumpeter swan, by controlling mute swans on your lakes and wetlands.
Call your local DNR field office
Obtain nest/egg destruction or removal permits
For sites with multiple landowners, file a petition or resolution
Reaching mute swan goals is only possible with help from local landowners
Thank you for helping to protect our
native wildlife species and
wetland habitat!
For more information visit
www.michigan.gov/muteswansTrumpeter Swan
Photo by Bill Rollo