CREDIT: DAVID B. MARSHAUL 



LAYSAN DUCK 



Anas laysanensis Rothschild 



KINGDOM Animalia 



CLASS Aves 



ORDER Anseriformes 



FAMILY Anatidae 



OTHER COMMON 



NAMES . . . .Laysan teal, Laysan Island duck 



DATE 



Entered into SWIS To be determined 



Update To be determined 



LEGAL STATUS 



Federal: Endangered (42 FR 36425, 14 July 



1977; 42 FR 10476, 22 Feb 1977. 

 States: Endangered: Hawaii 



REASONS FOR CURRENT STATUS 



Palmer found these ducks exceedingly tame 

 (Rothschild 1900). Other observers since have 

 commented on their tame behavior (Ely and 

 Clapp 1973). Weak flight allows capture by hand 

 after a flight of 125 yards (Wetmore in Delacour 

 1956). Their dependence on the lagoon increased 

 their vulnerability (Warner 1963). They are now 

 rare, after recovering from near extinction due to 

 denudation of vegetation by European rabbits 

 {Oryctolagus caniculus) introduced about 1903. 

 The last rabbits were eliminated in 1923, and 

 vegetation recovered. The duck population also 

 recovered, but has fluctuated considerably since. 

 By 1957, it was thought to be near its saturation 

 point; it then declined from unknown causes to 

 the point where it was close to extinction again 

 (King in press. Fish and Wildlife Service 1973. 



