Wildlife Diversity Between Beaver Ponds and Impoundments on the Nicolet National Forest

Abstract

Research was conducted in the Nicolet National Forest from April through August in 1993 and 1994. Eight impoundments, and 5 beaver ponds on the same watershed as 5 of the impoundments, were studied. Wildlife, vegetation, and physical variables were measured. Wildlife variables included: waterfowl pair and brood counts and a use index (number of observation periods a duck species was present at the site/total number of observation periods), songbird diversity, and mammal, herpetological, and aquatic insect use. Vegetation variables included upland, emergent, and aquatic percent coverage and species presence. Physical variables included water chemistry (pH, DO, alkalinity, and conductivity) and size (ha). All impoundments and beaver ponds varied in size and age, so each analysis was treated independently. Waterfowl use indices and songbird diversity indices were tested using a Wilcoxon Ranks Sums Test to determine if a difference in use occurred between the impoundments and beaver ponds. Average waterfowl use indices were not significantly different (E > 0.05) between site comparisons, but there were differences in species use (E < 0.05). Ringneck ducks (Avthva collaris) and black ducks (Anas rubripes) used only impoundments. Songbird diversity indices were significantly different between the impoundment and beaver pond only at Haymeadow Flowage (E = 0.04) and Deer Creek (E = 0.02) study sites. Black terns (Chlidonias niqer) nested on 2 of the impoundments and fed on 4 of the impoundments.