Campbell Island teal were once thought to have inhabited the Campbell Island group. Now, less than 20 birds survive on a tiny, remote "rock" in the subantarctic, called Dent Island. If disease or rats were established on this island, the Campbell Island teal would be at risk of certain extinction.
Unique Features ||
The Campbell Island teal is a small dark brown duck. A subspecies of the brown teal, the Campbell Island teal is flightless and nocturnal, with a habit of running rapidly along the ground. Very few people have ever seen this bird in the wild. Its territorial call is made up of a series of whistle-like notes that form a trill.
Social Behaviour ||
Generally found in pairs and small flocks.
Diet ||
Teal eat a variety of invertebrates, as well as some plants.
Reproduction ||
The ecological requirements of this bird are not fully known. They have a good hatching success rate, but poor duckling survival.
Life Cycle ||
The Campbell Island Flightless Teal generally live to about 10 years.
Relatives ||
Related to other duck species, particularly the other teals. Closest relative is the less endangered Auckland Island Teal.
Interesting Facts :
Campbell Island Teal are mainly nocturnal and are very secretive.
Although they are flightless they make very good speed by running rapidly across the ground at the first sign of danger.
Breeding Programme ||
Wellington Zoo's Campbell Island Teal are part of a national captive breeding programme run by CMaG.
Environmental Conditions ||
These teal declined as a result of the impacts of introduced mammals. These mammals arrived with people visiting the islands. Introduced predators such as cats and rats have eliminated teal from many areas of their former range within the island groups.
Threats to future survival are further predation and disease (the isolation of the sub Antarctic islands means both species are vulnerable to the introduction of disease, which could have a catastrophic effect).
There are only about 60 Campbell Island Flightless Teal remaining in the wild, although numbers are slowly increasing through intensive captive breeding efforts.
At Wellington Zoo ||
At the Zoo we have 1 pair in Bird Valley. We are very keen to contribute to the breeding of these birds.
