Priorities for Future Research

Future research should focus on colony-site dynamics; competitive interactions with other wading birds, especially the Cattle Egret; foraging requirements (area used, proximity requirements to nesting colonies); use of aquaculture facilities as foraging areas; population genetics and wintering distribution. Snowy Egrets face accelerated threats to their existence throughout their range in the twenty-first century due to continued wetland degradation and loss, environmental contaminants, and control measures at aquaculture facilities. Scientists should arm resource managers with information on nesting- and foraging-site requirements for restoration efforts that may be warranted in the future. Similarly, conservation of the species may rely on knowledge of population gene flow, heterozygosity, and other genetic factors likely to determine the success of reintroduction efforts.