Unprotected condition of a new breeding Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) population in Pingshan, Hebei Province, China

Abstract

A new breeding population of Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata, Linnaeus) was first recorded in 2003 in Jiaotanzhuang-Hehekou region of Pingshan county, Hebei Province, China. Recently, the gradually increasing population indicates that there are suitable breeding habitats (such as foraging habitats and nesting sites) for Mandarin Duck. However, these habitats are always close to human disturbances, which are the potential risk for their population. Therefore, it is urgent to put forward an applicable protection strategy, in order to strengthen the public awareness for this unprotected population.

Keywords

breeding / Mandarin Duck / Pingshan / unprotected population

References

[1] Cheng T.. Fauna Sinica Aves Vol.2 Anseriformes. 1979, Beijing: Science press

[2] Guo L., Zhang Z., Tang B., Liu B., Wu Y.. Preliminary investigation of Aves in Pingshan, Hebei province. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 1990, 25(4): 16-21.

[3] Lei F.. New breeding ground of Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata). Wildlife, 1993, 75 45.

[4] Madge S., Burn H.. Wildfowl: An indentification guide to the ducks, geese and swans of the world. 1987, London: Christopher Helm

[5] Wang S.. China Red Data Book of Endangered Animals: birds. 1998, Beijing: Science press

[6] Yang J., Zou X., Lin Q.. The breeding ecology of Mandarin Duck (Aix galericulata) in Fanjingshan region. Wildlife, 1985, 26: 15-17.

[7] Zhao Z.. A Handbook of the Birds of China (Volume I: Non-passerines). 2001, Changchun: Jilin Science and Technology Press