Natural History Wanderings

Madagascar Pochard, Captive Breeding Program, Madagascar The Madagascar Pochard was considered extinct until 2006, when a few dozen birds were rediscovered on a remote volcanic lake in northern Madagascar. This is a first-year male, easily recognisable by its pale-blue iris. Swarowski 80 HD 30 X, Coolpix P5100 (Adapter DCB) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The BBC reported on the desperate plight of the world’s rarest bird, the Madagascar Pochard.  Habitat destruction due to deforestation, farming and fishing has reduced the wild Pochard bird population to 25. There is only one wetland where they are found. It is too deep for young to dive for food and 96% of the chicks die in two to three weeks.  If a new home is not found they may soon be extinct

Read more at:  BBC News – Madagascar pochard, world’s rarest bird, needs new home.