Anas bernieri

Abstract: Potential visitor effects on captive animals are poorly understand, with most studies focused on non-human primates, it is an area of research which in recent years has become important as a way of understanding welfare in a captive environment. Research into how this effects birds in captivity is limited, therefore this study looks at whether visitor density effects behaviour and enclosure use in six different bird species including red-billed choughs, Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax northern lapwings, Vanellus vanellus, red-crested turacos, Tauraco erythrolophus, Madagascar teal, Anas bernieri, grey gulls, Larus modestus and one Palawan peacock pheasant, Polyplectron napoleonis all housed together in a mixed species aviary at Paignton zoo Environmental Park®. Observations were carried out over a 15 day period, with each bird being observed individually and visitor density being categorised into no visitors, low, medium and high levels. Visitor noise was also measured, however no difference was found between the results of visitor noise and number. Use of space within the enclosure was analysed using the modified Spread of Participation Index (SPI) value. Values varied with all individuals, however all used the enclosure unevenly with choughs CH3, CH4, teal MT2, the Palawan peacock pheasant and the turaco pair using one or two zones predominantly more than any other area in the enclosure. Using the chi-squared test of association, a significant association between visitor number and location within the enclosure was only found in the choughs and the grey gulls and a significant association between increasing visitor density and behaviour was found in all the birds except the Madagascar teal and the Palawan peacock pheasant. There does seem to be some effect by visitors on several of the birds behaviour and their choice of locations within the enclosure, however a reliable conclusion could not be drawn due to limited data collection. More research is needed to investigate further, however this study adds to our understanding of bird welfare in captivity.

Abstract: A reconaissance was made to Madagascar to study waterfowl, particularly the rare Bernier's Teal Anas bernieri in the vicinity of the shallow saline Lake Bemamba. The habitat and behaviour of the teal and also of the Madagascar White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus insularis are described. Estimates of numbers are given for other waterfowl, and a list of all birds seen. Two Madagascar White-backed Ducks and two Pygmy Geese Nettapus auritus were brought into captivity. Waterfowl in the area have declined in numbers and Bernier's Teal may perhaps be in danger of extinction. Lake Bemamba merits the formation of a reserve.

Abstract: The behaviour of the globally threatened and little known Madagascar Teal was studied at Lake Bemamba, western Madagascar in July 1992. At least seven pairs and two single birds were observed. The pairs were tightly bonded and aggressively defended feeding space from conspecifics. Paired birds were dominant over and more aggressive than single birds. Paired males and females appeared to show similar levels of aggression. Copulation was observed but no other courtship behaviour, and there was no evidence of nesting activity. During daylight hours (0645 h to 1810 h), 80% of time was spent feeding. The amount of time spent resting increased notably between 1000 and 1300 h, but over 55% of time was spent feeding at all times. Madagascar Teal are active dabblers in shallow water, moving almost constantly. Of time spent feeding, 68% was conducted on foot and 32% swimming. Detailed descriptions of feeding and agonistic behaviour are made. The species has markedly different behaviour, habitat use and life cycle to the other six species of Anatidae present in the lake. There also appear to be important differences in behaviour in comparison with the other, closely related, Austral teal. However, it is likely that Madagascar Teal have the long term pair bonds typical of Austral teal.

Abstract: Ten wildfowl taxa are resident in Madagascar including four endemics: Madagascar White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus insularis, Madagascar Teal Anas bernieri, Meller’s Duck A. melleri and Madagascar Pochard Aythya innotata. These endemic duck taxa were amongst the last wildfowl forms to be described in Africa and are undoubtedly currently the rarest in this region. The history of our knowledge of these birds follows four easily definable stages: discovery, understanding, protection and the future. The new millennium has started with a much more detailed understanding of the four ducks’ ecology than ever before, the protection of several key sites and the re-discovery in 2006 of the Madagascar Pochard. The next few years will tell if the ducks have a more secure future and, while not yet safe, Madagascar’s ducks are perhaps now among the better known of Africa’s endemic wildfowl.