Aythya innotata
The Madagascar Pochard (Aythya innotata) is a critically endangered medium-sized diving duck, a species once believed extinct. Males are characterized by their striking dark reddish-brown body plumage, a darker crown and back, a contrasting white belly, and most notably, a piercing white iris that gives them a distinctive 'white-eyed' appearance. Females are duller brown overall with a darker brown eye, lacking the male's vibrant coloration. Measuring approximately 45-46 cm (17-18 inches) in ...
Primarily found in deep, open freshwater lakes and permanent wetlands with dense emergent vegetation for cover. Historically occurred at high elevations in Madagascar's central plateaus, now restricted to specific volcanic lakes.
Feeds predominantly on aquatic invertebrates, including insect larvae, mollusks, and small crustaceans, supplemented with seeds, roots, and leaves of aquatic plants obtained by diving.
The Madagascar Pochard is a shy and elusive diving duck, primarily foraging by submerging itself to pluck food from the lake bottom. Observations suggest they are largely nocturnal feeders, likely an adaptation to avoid predation or competition. They typically occur in small, tight-knit groups, t...
Historically, the Madagascar Pochard was distributed across the central high plateau wetlands and lakes of Madagascar, with records from Lake Alaotra, Lake Antanavo, and other highland sites. However, intense habitat degradation and human pressures led to a dramatic decline, culminating in its pr...
Critically Endangered
- Declared extinct in 1991, the Madagascar Pochard was miraculously rediscovered in 2006 at a remote volcanic lake, Lake Matsaborimena, with only 9 adults remaining. - It is considered one of the world's rarest birds, with a wild population of fewer than 50 individuals. - The rediscovery sparked ...