What conservation measure critically aided the Wood Duck's population rebound?

Answer

Widespread installation of artificial nesting boxes starting mid-20th century

The recovery of the Wood Duck population following its near-extinction in the early 1900s, caused by market hunting and habitat destruction, provides a significant conservation case study. While legal protection under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act was essential, the widespread, systematic installation of artificial nesting boxes beginning in the mid-20th century was critically important. This practice effectively supplemented the missing structural component of their historical habitat—old, cavity-bearing trees—allowing the specialized species to rebound rapidly. This success demonstrates that conservation managers can successfully support an evolutionarily specialized species by artificially providing the missing environmental element necessary for their inherent biological capacity to thrive.

What conservation measure critically aided the Wood Duck's population rebound?

Related Questions

What does the scientific name *sponsa* for *Aix sponsa* likely refer to?What behavioral trait significantly sets Wood Ducks apart from many other *Anatinae* members?Which ground predators are avoided due to the elevated placement of Wood Duck nests?What does the Wood Duck Rule suggest about cavity-dependent species?Which specific features describe the elaborate plumage of the male Wood Duck?What distinct feature characterizes the female Wood Duck's facial markings?How does the wing architecture of the Wood Duck contrast with open-water ducks?What indicates availability of safe nesting sites is a limiting factor for Wood Ducks?To which tribe of ducks does the Wood Duck (*Aix sponsa*) belong?What conservation measure critically aided the Wood Duck's population rebound?
birdanimalevolutionwood duck