Between 1970 and 2017 what caused the waterfowl population in North America to increase
Increase number of large farm
Draining of wetlands
Conservation efforts by hunters
Increased pesticide use
Conservation efforts by hunters and the increased pesticide use are the main factors that caused the waterfowl population in North America to increase between 1970 and 2017.
Conservation efforts by hunters: Over the years, hunters have recognized the importance of conserving and preserving waterfowl populations. Organizations such as Ducks Unlimited have played a significant role in habitat restoration and protection. Through these efforts, wetlands have been conserved, creating suitable breeding and nesting grounds for waterfowl, which ultimately leads to population growth.
Increased pesticide use: While it may seem counterintuitive, the increased use of pesticides actually contributed to the waterfowl population growth. Pesticide use, particularly those containing DDT, caused a decline in the populations of predatory bird species like bald eagles and peregrine falcons. As a result, the predator pressure on waterfowl decreased, allowing their populations to rebound.
However, it's worth noting that draining of wetlands and increase in large farms had a negative impact on waterfowl populations. Drainage of wetlands reduces the availability of breeding and feeding grounds for waterfowl, while large-scale farms often lead to habitat destruction. These factors have generally led to a decline in waterfowl populations, unless offset by conservation and pesticide use factors.