Posted by Ranger Sally (165.83.5.15) on October 09, 2003 at 13:23:07:
In Reply to: population posted by Justin Phelps on October 09, 2003 at 12:49:10:
: Why is the life span of the Trumpeter Swan, why is the life span 35 years in captivity and 12 years in the wild. Why is there such a damatic difference?
Hi Justin--there is a wide variation between life spans of birds raised in captivity and those in the wild, because wild birds are faced with many more mortal threats (i.e. predators, disease, flight hazards, loss of habitat, natural disasters, etc.) and usually don't receive veterniary care if sick or injured. Captive birds, on the other hand, are much more protected.