Black Pond Road Ducks

Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata)

(Photo from Charles Davies)

Conservation Status- Critically Endangered

Habitat- Madagascar

Size (Weight/Length)- 56 cm

Diet- Insects

Cool Facts- The Madagascar pochard is considered the world’s rarest species of duck. These unassuming diving ducks were originally thought to be the more common ferruginous duck until a clear distinction was made. Due to a mixture of habitat destruction and introduced sport fish destroying nests, the Madagascar pochard was thought to have gone extinct in 1991. Surprisingly, an expedition in 2006 managed to locate nine mature adults, thought to be the last in existence. In one of the most ambitious breeding projects, clutches of eggs were removed from the wild and brought into off-site breeding facilities. In 2012, the captive breeding population was 60 individuals and increased to 80 by 2013. A location was scouted for reintroduction and local communities worked with conservationists to provide restored habitat. In 2018, 21 Madagascar pochards were released into the wild where they still live today.

Isuel the duck whisperer.