However, estimating nest success is not as straightforward as it seems. Currently, the Mallard Model is being adapted to incorporate brood and duckling survival rates as stochastic variables that depend on biotic and abiotic factors.
Animals require adequate food, shelter, and other resources to survive.
Many studies seek to identify habitats that provide crucial resources by examining preferences of individual study animals. The models are also used by researchers to aid in study site selection and to reduce unwanted variation. Results are especially useful for determining whether an endangered or threatened species is truly distinct and in need of special protection, and for investigating the temporal and spatial juxtaposition of races of waterfowl during migration. However, resulting estimates of abundance may be less accurate than desired and cannot be readily improved because costs prohibit additional sampling. Waterfowl managers in the PPR required a standardized breeding waterfowl survey that would provide estimates of breeding duck numbers and production by land ownership category on local areas.