Laysan Duck

Anas laysanensis · Species of bird
Order
Anseriformes
Conservation
CR Critically Endangered
Codes
layduc, LAYD, LADU

About the Laysan Duck

The Laysan duck, also known as the Laysan teal, and sometomes known by its Hawaiian name, koloa pōhaka, is a dabbling duck endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Fossil evidence reveals that Laysan ducks once lived across the entire archipelago, but today survive only on Laysan Island and two atolls. The duck has several physical and behavioral traits linked to the absence of ground-based predators in its habitat. By 1860, the ducks had disappeared from everywhere except Laysan Island. The introduction of European rabbits by guano miners at the end of the 19th century brought the bird to the brink of extinction in 1912, with twelve surviving individuals. Rabbits were eradicated from the island in 1923 and numbers of Laysan ducks began to rise, reaching 500 by the 1950s. In an effort to ensure the long-term future of this duck, 42 birds were translocated to Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in 2002. These thrived in their new surroundings, and another group were later relocated to Kure Atoll.

Source: Wikipedia

Taxonomy & Classification

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderAnseriformes
FamilyDucks, Geese, and Waterfowl (Anatidae)
SpeciesAnas laysanensis
Species Codeslayduc, LAYD, LADU
ConservationCR Critically Endangered

Frequently Asked Questions

What family does the Laysan Duck belong to?

The Laysan Duck (Anas laysanensis) belongs to the Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl family (Anatidae), in the order Anseriformes.

What is the conservation status of the Laysan Duck?

The Laysan Duck is classified as "Critically Endangered" (CR) by IUCN Red List.

How can I identify the Laysan Duck?

The Laysan duck, also known as the Laysan teal, and sometomes known by its Hawaiian name, koloa pōhaka, is a dabbling duck endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. Fossil evidence reveals that Laysan ducks once lived across the entire archipelago, but today survive only on Laysan Island and two atolls. The ...

Where can I report a Laysan Duck sighting?

You can log sightings of Laysan Duck on eBird (ebird.org) using species code layduc, or on iNaturalist.