The Marbled Teal Marmaronetta 
angustirostris in Bulgaria 
Dimitar N Nankinov 
Previously the Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris plausibly 
bred in Bulgaria. The species is mentioned by many authors who dis- 
cussed Bulgarian bird distribution and status (Klein 1909, Boetticher 
1927, Patev 1950a, Patev 1950b, Peshev & Boev 1962, Boev 1984, 1986). 
The few recent records of the species are given below: 
A pair in Garvan marsh on 9 June 1979 (Michev 1979, Michev 1985, 
Michev & Simeonov 1985). 
One with a mixed flock of Garganey Anas querquedula, Mallard A. 
platyrchynos and Shoveler A. clypeata in the northern part of 
Atanasovsko Lake on 28 March 1982 (Nankinov 1992). 
P.Yankov recorded a lone bird at Atanasovsko Lake on 7 November 
1985 (Green 1992). 
A single was observed by G.Tucker and P.Yankov at Arkutino Lake 
on 16 May 1991 {Neophron 1:34, 1994). 
M.Waterhouse recorded a single at Atanasovsko Lake at the begin- 
ning of December 1993 {Neophron 1:34, 1994). 
The species has been observed in Bulgaria throughout the year- 
Unfortunately most of the, once vast, Bulgarian wetlands have been 
drained. Marbled Teals recorded in Bulgaria in recent years presum- 
ably originate from Turkey. Thie species periodically migrates north- 
westwards, reaching the Balkans and even central Europe. In order to 
(re-)establish the Marbled Teal in Bulgaria the following measures are 
required: conservation of existing wetlands; education of hunters, who 
fail to distinguish Marbled Teal from other duck species which they 
shoot, and an artificial rearing programme. Areas apparently suitable 
for introduction are: Kalimok Marsh, Lake Srebarna, Malak Preslavets 
marsh, reed islands in the Danube, marshes at Durankulak, Shabla, 
Alepu, Arkutino, lakes around Burgas (Atanasovsko, Vaya and 
Mandrensko) and perhaps elsewhere. The reintroduction of the 
Marbled Teal is quite feasible. The Institute of Zoology already pos- 
sesses a Biological Experimental Base, designed specifically for rearing 
rare species. At present financial difficulties obstruct attempts to rein- 
troduce the Marbled Teal. Hopefully in the near future these prob- 
lems can be solved. 
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