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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 (WWD) is found in Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Indonesia (Birdlife International 2001).  

The WWD 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
  • Increasing awareness amongst local communities with an education campaign
  • Rescuing of ducks at risk as required
  • Managing a protected aviary to accommodate rescued ducks for the purposes of breeding and release
  • Supporting ecotourism which deters illegal activities in the wetlands and improves local village economies


We appreciate the support from the Zoo Zlin-Lesna in Czech Republic, and previously the Sylvan Heights Bird Park (North Carolina, USA) and the Oriental Bird Club (UK)