• Research

• Longleaf Pine Research
• Aquatics Research
• Wildlife Research
• Predation and Predator Management
• Predator Exclosure Study
• Supplemental Feeding Study
• Food Plot Study
• Raccoon Study
• Bobcat Study
• Effects of Predator Harvest
• Diversionary Feeding Study
• Diversionary Feeding Study 2
• Wildlife/Habitat Relationships
• Threatened and Endangered Species
• Research Publications
• Graduate Projects

Effects of Supplemental Feeding on Nongame Wildlife

Research Team: Dr. L. Michael Conner (Associate Scientist) and Micah Perkins (Research Technician III)

Although supplemental feeding is a popular management practice for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus), there are few studies that explore effects of this practice on other wildlife species. Therefore, information on the influence of supplemental feeding on the broader wildlife community is needed. The objectives of this project are to:

1. identify effects of supplemental feeding on small mammal and avian communities (i.e., richness and diversity),
2. measure effects of supplemental feeding on selected small mammal and avian species, and
3. estimate area of attraction associated with supplemental feeding.

The experiment will have 3 replicates of 2 treatments and a control. The first treatment will consist of year-round supplemental feeding, whereas the second treatment will consist of feeding only during fall and winter. Small mammal and avian communities will be sampled intensively within each study site, and population-level processes (e.g., survival, reproduction, etc.) will be studied for abundant species.

This project is relevant to both the education and conservation missions of Ichauway. Most quail plantations use supplemental feeding as part of their quail management program, and the nongame impacts of supplemental feeding is of interest to many landowners. This study will provide information of direct relevance to area landowners and land managers, and thus will provide an important component of Ichauway's education program. The conservation program will benefit from exploring wildlife response to cessation of supplemental feeding before feeding is completely dropped from conservation zones. Furthermore, on Ichauway, supplemental feeding has historically taken place between November and May each year. Research suggests that feeding during the breeding season may increase avian productivity whereas winter-only feeding may actually decrease avian nest success. Additionally, this project will likely generate hypotheses for an adaptive management approach to monitoring on-site conservation activities.

Research in progress, publications forthcoming.

Funded by: The Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center