Size: 40-45cm. Weight; 450g.

Habitat and Distribution: Mangrove swamps and wetland habitats on the west coast and far northeast of Madagascar.

Groups and Breeding: This species tends to live in small groups feeding mostly at dawn and dusk. They are monogamous and extremely territorial defending their nest aggressively against intruders. Breeding occurs in the wet season when around 6 eggs are laid in a cavity of a tree. The eggs hatch after 28 days and the chicks are ready to leave the nest after a further 40-45 days.

Diet: Invertebrates and seeds and water plants, which are sifted from the water by their bill

• It is estimated that there are only 1,500-2,500 Madagascar Teal left in the wild, making this duck one of the rarest in the whole world. This is primarily because of the massive habitat loss to its conversion into rice plantations and prawn ponds. These ducks are also hunted for food.
• There are only 338 Madagascar Teal in captivity and they are on loan from the Madagascar government. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust currently has a conservation programme to increase the numbers both in captivity and in the wild.
• The Madagascar Teal was first discovered in 1860 but was not noted again until it was ‘rediscovered’ in 1969!
• Both male and female teals look after the young and couples may stay together for a number of breeding season.