Are Mallards Declining in North America?

Authors

Douglas H. Johnson, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research CenterFollow
Terry L. Shaffer, USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research CenterFollow

Date of this Version

1987

Comments

Published in The Wildlife Society Bulletin 15:340-345, 1987.

Abstract

Whether mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) numbers have declined in recent years has been a subject of concern and debate among waterfowl biologists, wildlife managers, and administrators. Further controversy surrounds the reason for the presumed decline. One opinion holds that the decline, if it exists, is simply a reflection of a dry period, with fewer ponds available to support mallards. The opposing view is that mallards have declined more severely than wetland numbers, and have not responded to subsequent improvements in wetlands.