Our first study aims to obtain a better understanding of the manner in which swan populations grow and spread across the landscape. This research makes use of a long-term data set collected in Britain where mute swans are native. Currently our focus is to describe the demography and movement patterns of birds in this population. This work is being conducted by Martha Ellis, a student working in the Rubega lab.
The second study is a collaboration between Chris Elphick and Margaret Rubega at UConn, and Min Huang at the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection. The study will investigate the impact of mute swans on submerged aquatic vegetation in Long Island Sound. Mute swans are herbivores, and as their populations have increased concern has been expressed that they are contributing to documented declines of underwater vegetation along the coast. The decline of eelgrass beds is a particular concern because these areas provide important habitat for a variety of marine organisms, as well as providing food for native waterfowl. Our study will determine just how much of the decline can be attributed to mute swans, and will attempt to predict the impact of future growth of the swan population.
Funding for this project is provided by the Connecticut DEP's Office of Long Island Sound Programs, through the Long Island Sound License Plate Program. The project also has received support from all the major bird conservation groups in the state.