Aythya nyroca -- (Güldenstädt, 1770)ANIMALIA -- CHORDATA -- AVES -- ANSERIFORMES -- ANATIDAECommon names: Ferruginous Duck; Ferruginous Pochard; Fuligule nyroca; Porrón Pardo; White-eyed Pochard

European Red List AssessmentEuropean Red List Status

LC -- Least Concern, (IUCN version 3.1)

Assessment InformationYear published: 2015Date assessed: 2015-03-31Assessor(s): BirdLife InternationalReviewer(s): Symes, A.Compiler(s): Ashpole, J., Burfield, I., Ieronymidou, C., Pople, R., Wheatley, H. & Wright, L.Assessment RationaleEuropean regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)EU27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)

In Europe this species has an extremely large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern in Europe.

Within the EU27 this species has a very large range, and hence does not approach the thresholds for Vulnerable under the range size criterion (Extent of Occurrence 10% in ten years or three generations, or with a specified population structure). The population trend is not known, but the population is not believed to be decreasing sufficiently rapidly to approach the thresholds under the population trend criterion (30% decline over ten years or three generations). For these reasons the species is evaluated as Least Concern in the EU27.

OccurrenceCountries/Territories of OccurrenceNative:Albania; Armenia; Austria; Azerbaijan; Belarus; Belgium; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Bulgaria; Croatia; Cyprus; Czech Republic; France; Georgia; Germany; Greece; Hungary; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of; Malta; Moldova; Montenegro; Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; Romania; Russian Federation; Serbia; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain; Switzerland; Turkey; UkraineVagrant:Denmark; Finland; Ireland, Rep. of; Norway; Spain; Sweden; United Kingdom

PopulationThe European population is estimated at 17,400-30,100 pairs, which equates to 34,800-60,300 mature individuals. The population in the EU27 is estimated at 13,100-20,600 pairs, which equates to 26,200-41,200 mature individuals. For details of national estimates, see Supplementary PDF.

TrendIn Europe and the EU27 the population size trend is unknown. For details of national estimates, see Supplementary PDF.

Habitats and EcologyThe species shows a strong preference for fresh standing water (Snow and Perrins 1998, N. Petkov in litt. 2008). It frequents shallow pools and marshes with abundant emergent, floating and shoreline vegetation such as reeds, willows and alders. In the breeding season, it also frequents saline, brackish or alkaline lakes in some areas, e.g. in Hungary, also well-managed fishponds are important summer habitat locally. Outside

breeding season, it may frequent larger lakes, including inland seas, reservoirs, lagoons and coastal marshes (Carboneras and Kirwan 2014). Generally breeding commences April to May in central Europe and Turkey, but can commence as early as February in southern Europe and as late as end of June in northern areas of its range (Carboneras and Kirwan 2014). It breeds in single pairs or loose groups. The nest is a low platform (Snow and Perrins 1998) of reeds, grass and leaves (Carboneras and Kirwan 2014) placed on the ground or on an islet or hummock in thick vegetation close to water (Johnsgard 1978, Kear 2005). Alternatively nests may be placed over water on floating mats of vegetation or in dense reedbeds along the shoreline (Johnsgard 1978). Clutches are usually 8-10 eggs. Although the species is omnivorous, plant material such as seeds, roots and vegetative parts of aquatic plants dominates its diet. Animal matter taken includes worms, molluscs, crustaceans, insects and larvae, amphibians and small fish. This species is chiefly migratory (Carboneras and Kirwan 2014), although little is known about its migratory routes (Scott and Rose 1996). Adults undertake a wing moulting period on the breeding grounds between July and August (Robinson and Hughes 2006) and departure from the breeding grounds begins in mid- to late-August (N. Petkov in litt. 2008). The return migration to the breeding grounds begins in early March (Scott and Rose 1996).Habitats & Altitude

Habitat (level 1 - level 2) Importance OccurrenceArtificial/Aquatic - Aquaculture Ponds suitable breedingArtificial/Aquatic - Aquaculture Ponds suitable non-breedingArtificial/Aquatic - Wastewater Treatment Areas marginal residentArtificial/Aquatic - Water Storage Areas (over ha) suitable breedingArtificial/Aquatic - Water Storage Areas (over ha) suitable non-breedingMarine Coastal/Supratidal - Coastal Brackish/Saline Lagoons/Marine Lakes suitable non-breedingMarine Coastal/Supratidal - Coastal Freshwater Lakes suitable non-breedingWetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Lakes (over ha) major breedingWetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Lakes (over ha) major non-breedingWetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Marshes/Pools (under ha) major breedingWetlands (inland) - Permanent Freshwater Marshes/Pools (under ha) major non-breedingAltitude Occasional altitudinal limits

ThreatsThe species is threatened by the degradation and destruction of well-vegetated shallow pools and other wetland habitats (Vinicombe 2000, Kear 2005, Robinson and Hughes 2006, Carboneras and Kirwan 2014) (e.g. changes to the vegetation community, disruption of water regimes, siltation, and increased water turbidity (Robinson and Hughes 2006)) as a result of excessive drainage and water abstraction (Vinicombe 2000, Grishanov 2006, Robinson and Hughes 2006), peat extraction (Grishanov 2006), eutrophication (from inadequate sewage treatment and nutrient run-off (Robinson and Hughes 2006)), oil pollution (Grishanov 2006), dam and barrage construction, the building of infrastructure on flood-plains (Vinicombe 2000, Robinson and Hughes 2006) and river canalisation (Kear 2005). Changing land management practices such as reed cutting and burning during the breeding season (Petkov 2006), over-grazing (Robinson and Hughes 2006) decreased grazing and mowing of wet meadows (Grishanov 2006), and abandonment (causing succession to scrub) or intensification (causing reversion to open water) of extensively managed fishponds (Vinicombe 2000, Kear 2005, Petkov 2006, Robinson and Hughes 2006) also threatens the species. The introduction of non-native species has caused further habitat degradation. For example the stocking of lakes with and accidental introduction of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) has resulted in reductions in macrophyte biomass and corresponding reductions in invertebrate biomass (Kear 2005, Robinson and Hughes 2006), and in Bulgaria an introduced shrub (Desert False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa)) is changing the ecological character of wetlands (Robinson and Hughes 2006). Increased drought due to global climate change may pose a threat to the species in part of its range (Vinicombe 2000, Robinson and Hughes 2006). Disturbance by fishing boats and anglers alongside fringe vegetation could cause abandonment of the breeding sites or disrupt the timing of breeding (N. Petkov in litt. 2008). Hunting is another serious threat to the species (Vinicombe 2000, Robinson and Hughes 2006, Carboneras and Kirwan 2014). Large numbers are shot on passage in the autumn (e.g. through the Volga delta) (Kear 2005, Balmaki and Barati 2006). Illegal and accidental hunting also persists in most European countries. Other lower-level threats include lead poisoning (from ingestion of discarded lead shot), fires in areas of reed thickets, peat bogs and woods (Grishanov 2006), entanglement and drowning in fishing nets (Robinson and Hughes 2006) and hybridisation with native species (e.g. Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) and Common Pochard (Aythya farina) in Switzerland (Leuzinger 2010)).

Threats & ImpactsThreat (level 1) Threat (level 2) Impact and Stresses

Agriculture & aquaculture

Agro-industry farming

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

Biological resource use

Gathering terrestrial plants (unintentional effects - species is not the target)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

Biological resource use

Hunting & trapping terrestrial animals (intentional use - species is the target)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesSpecies mortality

Climate change & severe weather

Droughts Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

Human intrusions & disturbance

Recreational activities

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesSpecies disturbance

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Unknown Unknown

StressesHybridisation

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Desert False Indigo (Amorpha fruticosa)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Causing/Could

cause fluctuationsLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Causing/Could

cause fluctuationsLow Impact

StressesIndirect ecosystem effects

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Muskrat (Ondatra zibethicus)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesSpecies mortality; Reduced reproductive success

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Unknown Unknown

StressesHybridisation

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Unspecified species Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Negligible declines Low Impact

StressesHybridisation

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Unknown Unknown

StressesEcosystem degradation

Threats & ImpactsThreat (level 1) Threat (level 2) Impact and Stresses

Invasive and other problematic species, genes & diseases

Wels Catfish (Silurus glanis)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesReduced reproductive success

Natural system modifications

Dams (size unknown)

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem conversion; Ecosystem degradation

Natural system modifications

Other ecosystem modifications

Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

Pollution Oil spills Timing Scope Severity ImpactOngoing Minority (<50%) Slow, Significant

DeclinesLow Impact

StressesEcosystem degradation

ConservationConservation Actions UnderwayThe species is fully protected in Belarus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Moldova, Netherlands, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Switzerland, and is protected from hunting in Austria, Belgium, Greece, Poland, Turkey and Ukraine. It is listed on Annex I of the European Union Directive on the Conservation of Wild Birds, on Appendix III of the Bern Convention and on Appendices I and II of the Bonn Convention. The species has received little international conservation action, although a number of national initiatives have been developed recently, notably habitat management in Bulgaria and re-introduction schemes in Italy (Berezovikov and Samusev 1998). An International Single Species Action Plan has been adopted by the Bern Convention, CMS and AEWA, which lays out a framework for conservation action throughout the species's range (Robinson and Callaghan 2003). A restoration project for two key breeding sites on the Danube in Bulgaria is underway, funded by the World Bank (N. Petkov in litt. 2003).

Conservation Actions ProposedPromote the full legal protection of the species and its habitat through national and international legislation; promote environmentally friendly management of fishponds in eastern Europe; promote adequate protection and management of key sites; promote conservation in the wider environment for the benefit of the species and its habitat; prevent mortality and disturbance caused by hunting; monitor the remaining population and develop census techniques; investigate productivity and mortality; investigate ecology and limiting factors; investigate the impact of C. idella on the species and its habitat; develop and implement education programmes for the conservation of A. nyroca and its habitats.

BibliographyBalmaki, B. and Barati, A. 2006. Harvesting status of migratory waterfowl in northern Iran: a case study from Gilan Province. In: Boere, G.; Galbraith, C., Stroud, D. (ed.), Waterbirds around the world, pp. 868-869. The Stationary Office, Edinburgh, UK.Berezovikov, N.N. and Samusev, I.F. 1998. The Ferruginous Duck in the upper reaches of the Irtysh river. Casarca.Carboneras, C. and Kirwan, G.M. 2014. Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca). In: del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A., Sargatal, J., Christie, D.A. and de Juana, E. (eds.) 2014. Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona. (retrieved from http://www.hbw.com/node/52908 on 19 January 2015).Grishanov, D. 2006. Conservation problems of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds and their habitats in the Kaliningrad region of Russia. In: Boere, G.; Galbraith, C., Stroud, D. (ed.), Waterbirds around the world, pp. 356. The Stationary Office, Edinburgh, UK.

BibliographyJohnsgard, P.A. 1978. Ducks, geese and swans of the World. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln and London.Kear, J. 2005. Ducks, geese and swans volume 2: species accounts (Cairina to Mergus). Oxford University Press, Oxford, U.K.Leuzinger, H. 2010. Tauchentenhybriden mit Beteiligung der Moorente Aythya nyroca auf Kleingewässern bei Frauenfeld (Kanton Thurgau). Ornithologische Beobachter 107(1): 51-56.Petkov, N. 2006. The importance of extensive fishponds for Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca conservation. In: Boere, G.; Galbraith, C., Stroud, D. (ed.), Waterbirds around the world, pp. 733-734. The Stationary Office, Edinburgh, UK.Robinson, J.A. and Callaghan, D.A. 2003. The ferruginous duck as a Near Threatened species: problems, causes and solutions. In: Petkov, N., Hughes, B. and Gallo-Orsi, U. (ed.), Ferruginous duck: from research to conservation, pp. 138-143. BirdLife International-BSBP-TWSG, Sofia.Robinson, J.A. and Hughes, B. 2006. International single species action plan for the conservation of the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca. CMS/AEWA, Bonn, Germany.Scott, D.A. and Rose, P.M. 1996. Atlas of Anatidae populations in Africa and western Eurasia. Wetlands International, Wageningen, Netherlands.Snow, D.W. and Perrins, C.M. 1998. The Birds of the Western Palearctic vol. 1: Non-Passerines. Oxford University Press, Oxford.Vinicombe, K.E. 2000. Identification of Ferruginous Duck and its status in Britain and Ireland. British Birds 93: 4-21.

Map (see overleaf)