Locations of Recoversies of Black Swans, Cygnus atratus Latham, Banded at Lake Whangape and Lake Ellesmere New Zealand

Abstract

Recoveries by hunters of 842 black swans banded at Lake Whangape, North Island, New Zealand,between 1962 and 1975 were mainly confined to the Waikato and Northland districts, 88% being recovered within a 30-mile (50 km) radius of the lake. Five were recovered from South Island. At Lake Ellesmere, South Island, a cyclonic storm in April 1968 which altered the lake's ecology caused a change in the swans' dispersion. During 1956-68 and 1969-75 respectively, hunters returned 3950 and 745 bands, 83 and 78% of which were from within 10 miles (16km) of the lake. Of the more distant recoveries, 72 and 73 % were from the south-east of South Island. Most of the swans recovered from North Island were 2-year-olds. In 1969-75 more first and second-year birds and fewer older birds were shot on Lake Ellesmere than during 1956 and 1968. This difference is considered the result of a shorter game season and poorer food supply at the lake in 1969-75.