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White-winged Wood Duck Bambangan swamp, WKNP, 2013, Photo: Dicky Tri Sutanto
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Rescuing Duck injured by fishing lines
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Removing netting from illegal poachers
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Patrol searching for Ducks - Way Kambas Photo: Dicky Tri Sutanto
OVERVIEW of PROJECT

The White-winged Wood Duck Cairina (Asarcornis) scutulata (WWWD) is found in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indi, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Indonesia (Birdlife International 2001).  

The WWWD was previously widespread through South East Asia. The current world population in the wild is estimated to be between 250-1000 individuals, possibly less than 5% of the original population    

It is listed as Endangered, with population decreasing (IUCN 2013), due to its very small and fragmented population, which is in decline due to loss and disturbance of its wetland habitats. The duck is of world significance and considered to be an indicator of wetland habitat health and security.

It is estimated that 450 ducks live in Sumatra (Birdlife International 2001). 

Way Kambas National Park has the largest known population of White-winged ducks in the world. The White-winged duck can live and forage in degraded habitat but requires very specific conditions for nesting and is particularly sensitive to human disturbance. The duck relies on freshwater swamps, where the surrounding vegetation comprises mature forest and Gluta renghas trees which are critical for nesting.


The duck is endemic to WKNP and the survey by Nancy Drilling 1999-2001 counted 150 individuals, but in recent years fewer ducks have been observed and the population is in rapid decline (Sutanto 2010). 


WHAT WE  ARE DOING TO HELP

  • Protecting 3 critical breeding sites in Way Kambas National Park
  • Patrolling the breeding sites and swamps to monitor illegal activity and to police poachers and trespassers
  • Removing illegal fishing lines, snares, nets and debris left by illegal hunters
  • Monitoring breeding pairs and numbers of young 
  • Increasing awareness amongst local communities


GRANT from ORIENTAL BIRD CLUB (UK)

Thanks to the Oriental Bird Club we have been able to support a project to identify and protect ducks flying out of the Park to forage in the surrounding farmlands. Foraging ducks are vulnerable to hunting, predation and other threats.

This project involves surveying ducks in the peri-park area, assessing threats, and running an awareness campaign to increase understanding and appreciation of the duck as endangered species, which requires more protection by the Park and the community.

Data will contribute to application for Ramsar status for the Park, which will result in improved wetland support and security.  Application for Ramsar status is being handled by WKNP with support from Southern Cross University, Australia.


The project is being managed on the ground by local NGO ALeRT.