Classification System Reveals Threat Level Towards Native Ducks in New Zealand
In an article published by Referencing Hub media, the conservation status of native duck species in New Zealand is discussed, although the exact 2021 classification using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) is not explicitly detailed.
The NZTCS system is a unique classification method employed in New Zealand to assign conservation statuses to native species, including ducks. As an example, the kōkako, a native New Zealand bird, was reclassified from "Threatened" to "At Risk: Recovering" due to successful conservation efforts involving pest control.
Regarding native New Zealand ducks, one extinct species, the Tadorna rekohu (Rēkohu shelduck), from the Chatham Islands, highlights the loss of a native waterfowl species. However, this extinct species is not covered by the NZTCS currently.
The most commonly known native ducks of New Zealand include the paradise shelduck (pūtangitangi), grey duck (pāteke), and blue duck (whio). According to other knowledge, their conservation statuses vary:
- The blue duck (whio) is typically classified as At Risk - Relict or Threatened, depending on the source and ongoing conservation success. This native riverine duck has a declining range.
- The grey duck (pāteke) is often considered At Risk, with hybridization issues with introduced mallards affecting their status.
- The paradise shelduck (pūtangitangi) is usually classified as Not Threatened or of relatively stable status. It is widespread and relatively common.
Since the exact 2021 NZTCS rankings for each duck species are not available in the search results, this inferred summary aligns with general conservation trends. For the most precise and official NZTCS 2021 listings, the Department of Conservation New Zealand or the official NZTCS reports should be consulted.
In summary, while the exact 2021 NZTCS classifications for each duck species are not available, the context suggests varying degrees of risk among native ducks, consistent with ongoing conservation programs.
| Species | Probable NZTCS 2021 Status | Notes | |---------------------|-------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | Blue Duck (Whio) | At Risk (Relict) or Threatened | Native riverine duck with declining range | | Grey Duck (Pāteke) | At Risk | Threatened by hybridization with mallards | | Paradise Shelduck (Pūtangitangi) | Not Threatened or Stable | Widespread and relatively common | | Extinct Chatham duck (Tadorna rekohu) | Extinct | Discovered extinct, not part of current status |
The unique New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS) categorizes native ducks based on their risk level, with the blue duck (whio) being likely classified as At Risk - Relict or Threatened, while the grey duck (pāteke) may be considered At Risk due to issues with hybridization with mallards. Contrastingly, the paradise shelduck (pūtangitangi) is likely to be classified as Not Threatened or of stable status, as it is widespread and relatively common. Additionally, the environmental science field has faced the loss of species like the extinct Chatham duck (Tadorna rekohu), highlighting the importance of health-and-wellness and environmental-science efforts to conserve native species in New Zealand.
