Breeding biology of the African white-backed duck (thalassornis leuconotus) in captivity

Abstract

Due to the dwindling numbers of wild ducks in Southern Africa, it is hoped that, with the help of this research project, the African White-backed Duck, (I'halassornis /euconotus), will be better understood, thus enabling more to be done for this species and its conservation, whether in a wild situation or in captivity. Every aspect of their general and breeding biology is investigated and comparisons are made between birds in the wild and those in captivity. As young birds, African White-backed Ducks are reluctant to eat basic food types placed in a bowl in front of them and therefore, reliable rearing techniques, with high survival rates, are much needed. Different feed and feeding techniques are experimented with, with the aim of enabling aviculturalists, breeders and conservationists to increase their rearing success rates significantly. Reasons as to why the African White-backed ducklings are so difficult to rear are researched. Factors affecting viability and hatchability are investigated so as to ensure that breeders give their birds, eggs and embryos the ideal conditions under which to develop. Age at sexual maturity is determined so as to help breeders utilize their birds to their fullest potential. Possible relationships between a number of variables are investigated such as: egg mass and hatchability duckling mass and survivability egg mass and duckling mass biological parameters of duckling mass Fertility and the various factors affecting fertility are investigated, so as to be able to increase fertility in a captive situation and in wild habitats. Growth rate of ducklings on different feeding regimes are investigated and recorded and it is determined whether survivability and/or fatality can be predicted. With the results obtained from four different breeding seasons, a number of conclusions can be drawn which should help breeders to successfully breed and rear higher numbers of African White-backed Ducks in the future. However, further research is still ongoing so as to improve techniques and successes.