Rare maccoa ducklings hatch at Chester zoo for first time
Chester zoo has successfully hatched one of Africa's rarest species of duck for the first time.
It said the successful breeding of four maccoa ducklings formed part of growing efforts to safeguard Africa's most threatened species.
The maccoa population in the wild is estimated to be only 5,000, and recent surveys found only 14 in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania.
The ducklings are now in Chester zoo's Heart of Africa zone, a 22.5-acre habitat supporting endangered African species. The habitat is home to 57 species of animals including giraffes, zebras and ostriches.
Andrew Owen, the head of birds at Chester zoo, said: 'These ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo, making it a really historic moment for our team.
'This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.'
The zoo is just one of seven in Europe, and 12 globally, that care for the ducks and it hopes to play a vital role in their survival.
Maccoa ducks are found in nutrient-rich freshwater wetland and lakes. They can be seen diving for food and are known for features such as stiff tails and deep-blue bills.
They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of threatened species. Water pollution and climate change has led to their habitats degrading and the species' rapid decline.
Bird conservationists at the zoo say their successful hatchings will help the long-term protection of the ducks.
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The Guardian
20 hours ago
- The Guardian
Rare maccoa ducklings hatch at Chester zoo for first time
Chester zoo has successfully hatched one of Africa's rarest species of duck for the first time. It said the successful breeding of four maccoa ducklings formed part of growing efforts to safeguard Africa's most threatened species. The maccoa population in the wild is estimated to be only 5,000, and recent surveys found only 14 in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania. The ducklings are now in Chester zoo's Heart of Africa zone, a 22.5-acre habitat supporting endangered African species. The habitat is home to 57 species of animals including giraffes, zebras and ostriches. Andrew Owen, the head of birds at Chester zoo, said: 'These ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo, making it a really historic moment for our team. 'This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.' The zoo is just one of seven in Europe, and 12 globally, that care for the ducks and it hopes to play a vital role in their survival. Maccoa ducks are found in nutrient-rich freshwater wetland and lakes. They can be seen diving for food and are known for features such as stiff tails and deep-blue bills. They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of threatened species. Water pollution and climate change has led to their habitats degrading and the species' rapid decline. Bird conservationists at the zoo say their successful hatchings will help the long-term protection of the ducks.
Sky News
3 days ago
- Sky News
Endangered rays, sharks and native oysters 'could thrive' despite climate change, report claims
Endangered rays, sharks and native oysters could thrive in seas around the UK in the decades ahead amid changing conditions in the oceans - but other common species could become rare, according to a study. Researchers looked at 19 threatened marine species in UK seas and the impact they could face from climate change. The results suggested an "overall increase" in suitable habitat for the study's selected species, although said any projected change for many was "relatively small". Some species will "move or shift" to new areas in response to rising ocean temperatures and this will have an impact on how they are managed and protected, the study added. Many species are anticipated to lose habitat with climate change, researchers said. Maintaining or increasing the numbers of vulnerable animals around the UK might require additional management methods. Projecting habitat changes into the future has "a number of uncertainties" and species may find "favourable" new areas, but the conditions could then "move" to zones which are "not suitable" for species to survive. The report, published in the Marine Biology journal, said although rays, sharks and oysters could become less threatened - there were risks for other species. "Spurdog, thornback and undulate rays and native oyster showed the largest increases in suitable habitat this century, whereas decreases were seen in the slender sea pen, ocean quahog, sea fan and fan mussel," said the report. "The increases were concentrated in the central and northern North Sea and the decreases to the south and west of the UK, as well as in the southern North Sea." Some species may thrive in new areas not currently protected from human disturbance, scientists said. But some currently protected sites "may no longer remain viable in protecting their designated features in the future". "Some of these changes may become apparent relatively quickly, with substantial changes in suitable habitat evident from the 2030s and 2040s," researchers said. The government is currently consulting on measures for fishing in Marine Protected Areas, which are designated parts of the ocean set up to protect habitats, species and ecosystems. Researchers at the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science compiled the report in consultation with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Natural England, and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee.
The Independent
3 days ago
- The Independent
UK to see increase in sharks, rays and native oysters due to rising sea temperatures
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