White-backed duck

Scientific name: Thalassornis leuconotus

IUCN listed as: Least Concern

Learn before you visit!

Here are some facts about the species – Discover what they eat, find out about their natural habitat, see what they like to do, and more… Set the reading style to suit you too, everyday speak or something aimed towards children.

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Diet

The White-backed Duck primarily feeds on aquatic plants, including seeds, leaves, and stems of water lilies and other submerged vegetation. They also consume small invertebrates such as snails and insects. This diet supports their energy needs and plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of their wetland habitats by controlling plant growth and insect populations. In captivity, their diet is supplemented with greens and specially formulated pellets. This ensures they receive a balanced diet similar to their natural intake.

 

White-backed Ducks eat plants and small water animals. They find their food in lakes and rivers. In zoos, they get similar food to stay healthy. This helps keep their wetlands clean.

 

Breeding

Breeding occurs during the wet season when water levels are high, providing ample nesting sites. Females lay between 6 to 12 eggs in nests built from plant material and hidden among dense vegetation to protect from predators. The eggs hatch after about 25-30 days, and the ducklings are precocial, meaning they can swim and feed themselves shortly after hatching. Both parents help care for the young, ensuring a higher survival rate. This strategy helps maintain their population despite environmental challenges.

 

These ducks lay 6 to 12 eggs in hidden nests. Both parents take care of the babies. The ducklings can swim and eat right after hatching. This helps more babies survive.

 

Habitat

White-backed Ducks inhabit freshwater wetlands, including lakes, marshes, and slow-moving rivers across sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation that provides food and shelter. These habitats are crucial for their survival, offering nesting sites and protection from predators. However, habitat destruction due to agriculture and pollution poses significant threats. Conservation efforts focus on protecting and restoring these wetland areas to support the duck populations.

 

They live in wetlands with lots of plants in Africa and Madagascar. These places give them food and safety. Their homes are in danger from farming and pollution. Protecting wetlands is important for their survival.

 

At the zoo

In zoos, White-backed Ducks are housed in enclosures that replicate their natural wetland habitats, including water bodies for swimming and foraging. Their diet in captivity includes a mix of aquatic plants, vegetables, and protein sources to ensure they receive proper nutrition. Zoos play a crucial role in conservation by participating in breeding programs and educating the public about the species. These efforts help raise awareness about the importance of wetland conservation and the threats faced by these ducks. Breeding programs in zoos also contribute to maintaining healthy populations and genetic diversity.

 

In zoos, they live in water-filled areas like their natural homes. They eat plants and special food. Zoos help protect these ducks by breeding them and teaching people about them. This keeps their numbers strong.

 

Behaviour

White-backed Ducks are generally solitary or found in small groups. They are primarily nocturnal, foraging for food at night and resting during the day. These ducks are excellent divers and often dive to escape predators or search for food. Their behaviour includes preening and vocalising to communicate with each other. Their ability to adapt to various wetland environments helps them survive in diverse conditions.

They are mostly active at night and like to dive for food. They usually live alone or in small groups. They communicate with sounds and take care of their feathers. Their behaviour helps them find food and stay safe.

Fun facts

  • Great Divers: They are excellent at diving to find food and escape predators.
  • Hidden Nests: They build nests hidden in dense vegetation.
  • Nocturnal Life: They are mostly active at night.
  • Wetland Residents: They live in freshwater wetlands in Africa and Madagascar.
  • Parental Care: Both parents help take care of the young.
  • Diving Skills: They dive well to catch food and avoid danger.
  • Secret Nests: They hide their nests in thick plants.
  • Night Activity: They are active at night, looking for food.
  • Wetland Homes: They live in lakes and marshes in Africa and Madagascar.
  • Caring Parents: Both mom and dad help raise the ducklings.

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