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Mute Swans
Invasive SpeciesObligations
ORC
OAC
Charges SP and DOW to manage in the best interest of the natural resources on the lands we own and manage
ID
Mute Swan Trumpeter Swan Tundra Swan Non-Native Native Native
What is a Wild Mute Swan
• Most times not marked (not marked=wild)• Consider ownership to the property owner if owner
of Mute Swan can not be determined• Owner liable for damages/injuries though“The Mute Swan has long been appreciated for its beauty and grace, and it has been introduced around the world as a captive, decorative bird. Unfortunately, the Mute Swan has a voracious appetite for plant material, and is highly territorial and aggressive. Captive swans often escape or are released and can disrupt natural ecosystems that they come to reside in. For this reason, many locations have regulations on the ownership of Mute Swans.” (www.rightpet.com) comment from their website
• We don’t appreciate people releasing wildlife on state lands without permission
• On PLX, no one has claimed ownership of the swans
What the DOW uses to determine if a mute swan is wild or not:
Three Driving DOW DocumentsDOW Policy 41
Invasive Species Policy It is the policy of the Division of Wildlife to humanely dispatch invasive non-native freeranging terrestrial vertebrates found on Division owned or managed lands. The Divisionwill strongly encourage other land managing agencies to also eliminate these speciesfrom their lands. The “American Veterinary Medical Association’s 2007 Guidelines ForEuthanasia” will continue to be the standard followed by the Division of Wildlife tohumanely euthanize terrestrial vertebrates. Furthermore, the Division will inform andeducate the public about the potential adverse effects of invasive non-native freerangingterrestrial species on Ohio’s native wildlife.
Goal of any invasive species is complete removal
Mute SwansDOW Mute Swan Action Plan
The mute swan action plan has 6 specific goals:
1) Educate the public on the adverse consequences of mute swans on the environment
2) Eliminate any mute swan conflicts which involve human safety
3) Reduce competition between mute swans and trumpeter swans
4) Minimize detrimental impacts of mute swans on native wetland birds
5) Prohibit the release of mute swans into the wild
6) Implement control measures to reduce mute swan numbers in Ohio
Mute SwansDOW Swan Management Plan
The Swan Management Plan has 4 objectives:
1) Public Outreach and Education
2) Population Monitoring and Research
3) Feral Population Management and Resource Protection
4) Relief of Human Safety and Nuisance Conflicts
Ohio Population Trends
Waterfowl populations can grow rapidly, think of Canada GeesePopulations can go from low to a lot quickly
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Mute swans counted during midwinter waterfowl survey in Ohio,1992-2013
Ohio’s Direction
• Finish management plan• Stronger education initiative• Improve surveys• Continue to manage on state lands• Issue permits to private property owners
Ohio is not the only one fighting the fight
Ohio is not the only one fighting the fight
Location of sightings of mute Swans in 2013 by citizen submission
Ohio is not the only one fighting the fight Maryland Mean annual rate of population increase was 36% from 1962-78. From 1986 to 1999 the total population in the region increased by 1398% Michigan Highest population. Estimate 10,000 swans in the Great Lakes areaOntario Ontario population is presently about 2,000 birds and is increasing at 10-15%/year At this growth rate, the southern Ontario population will double every 7-8 years.Indiana Must be pinioned and kept in an enclosure that prevents their escape into the wildOregon and Washington It illegal to import, possess, or sell Mute SwansMinnesota Introduction into the wild is prohibited Possession of captive birds requires a state game farm license and fencing to contain themNew York 1,843 swans just on Long Island in 2008 Illegal to possess and getting ready to allow huntingCalifornia Unlawful to import, transport, or possess
Ohio is not the only one fighting the fight
Letter sent to USFWS-Division of Migratory Bird Management (2003)
“PLEASE ACCEPT THE COMMENTS FROM THE 25 ORGANIZATIONS REPRESENTING MILLIONS OF AMERICANS IN SUPPORT OF ALTERNATIVE 2, TO REDUCE MUTE SWAN POPULATIONS IN THE EAST BY TWO-THIRDS, AND TO EVENTUALLY ISSUE A DEPREDATION ORDER TO ELIMINATE MUTE SWANS IN THE WILD IN THE U.S”
American Bird Conservancy Archbold Biological Station Atlanta Audubon Society Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central-Atlantic States Audubon Pennsylvania Chappee Rapids Audubon Society Cooper Ornithological Society Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology Delmarva Ornithological Society Ducks Unlimited Environmental Defense Georgia Ornithological Society Green-Rock Audubon Society
Illinois Audubon Society International Assn. of Fish and Wildlife Agencies Izaack Walton League of America Madison Audubon Society Maryland Ornithological Society National Audubon Society New Jersey Audubon Society Riveredge Bird Club Tennessee Ornithological Society The Waterbird Society Wildlife Management Institute Wisconsin Audubon Council
Those that signed letter of support
This was in 2003 before Ohio and many other states realized the large increasesoccurring in their state
Mute SwansHistory of PLX Management
~2003 = Begin getting increased calls on aggression issues-referred to PL State Park 2004 = US FWS removed protection 2006 = Began Egg Addling 2007 = Began removing adults
Nests Eggs BirdsBirds Killed
10 90 42 014 83 60 2811 73 35 13
7 45 30 169 54 32 09 25 20 46 14 13 85 24 17 9
Total 71 408 249 781 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
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We exercise professionalismWe take into account:
Human FeelingsBird Humaneness
Best Tactic for the SituationOpenness to inquiries
Very labor intensiveShowing our commitment to the importance of mgmt
Avg Eggs/Nest=5.7 (Validates potential in quick pop. Growth)
Mogadore Res.
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20130
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NestsEggsBirdsBirds Killed
This little jump we Believe is due to our neighbor (Congress Lake) allowing production
Upset Callers
o Sporadic calls up to this year
o Approximately 40 calls within the last 6 months
o Even a handful of “Thank You” calls
o Most callers understand the why’s once explained to- Proves need for Education
We expected this, but…..
Mute Swans
Swan kills man in Illinois in 2012
Ramifications of lack of managementWater degradation
Increased conflicts with recreational users (swimming, fishing, boating/kayakers/sailboats, etc.)/loss of revenue
Eliminate potential for Trumpeter Swans to nest
Aggression towards migratory birds
Loss of vegetation
Human Safety
QuestionsContact Division of Wildlife at 330-644-2293