Data Zone
Justification of Red List category
This species is thought to have a moderately small population of only 1,000-2,500 mature individuals. Although this population is currently thought to be stable, thus reducing its imminent extinction risk, its small population size renders it vulnerable to future threats. Accordingly it is evaluated as Near Threatened.
Population justification
Has generally been estimated to number fewer than 1,000 mature individuals, although determining the accuracy of these counts is difficult owing to fluctuating numbers at sites and the lack of a coordinated effort across the entire species' range. A study on the species 1995-1998 yielded an estimate of 500-600 (Vijayan et al. 2000) and this was also supported during a study in 2003-2004 (Vijayan 2006). However, in more recent years counts exceeding 800 individuals at single counts have been made around Ograbraj and Sippighat (eBird 2023). The degree to which numbers at these sites are independent is unknown, but it seems likely that South Andaman alone supports more than 1,000 birds (eBird 2023, Praveen J in litt. 2024), while records have also come from recent years from North Andaman, Havelock Island, and Little Andaman, suggesting that the species is relatively widespread, even if not abundant away from its strongholds. While not all individuals counted will be mature, it is now considered probable that the number of mature individuals probably exceeds 1,000, although it may not be substantially higher. The population is therefore estimated at 1,000-2,500 mature individuals.
Trend justification
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats, and counts seem to indicate that it is stable or increasing, with some inter-annual fluctuations (eBird 2023).
Anas albogularis is endemic to the Andaman Islands (India) (Kear 2005).
A. albogularis inhabits freshwater streams, ponds and lagoons, paddy-fields, freshwater and brackish swamps, tidal creeks and estuaries (Kear 2005, Rahmani and Islam 2008). It is nomadic and alights on the sea, as well as being present on many islands (Rahmani and Islam 2008). Usually found in groups of 20-30, but sometimes congregations of several hundred have been observed. It feeds mainly at night, roosting during the day in mangroves or on rocks exposed at low tide (Grimmett et al. 1998). Nest recorded in a tree hole; eggs present in August (Grimmett et al. 1998).
The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats, and counts seem to indicate that it is stable or increasing, with some inter-annual fluctuations (eBird 2023). However, its small population size renders it vulnerable to future threats.
Conservation and research actions underway
No targeted actions are known, though key sites for waterfowl conservation in the Andamans have been identified (Rajan and Pramod 2010).
Conservation and research actions proposed
Conduct further surveys to clarify its distribution and status. Instigate regular monitoring at key sites. Conduct long-term ecological studies to establish management requirements. Afford protected status to key sites (up to 3 of which may be threatened with development [C. Purushotham, K. Anujan and R. Chakravarty in litt. 2016]). Promote strict enforcement of hunting regulations and minimise encroachment, disturbance and habitat degradation in all protected areas supporting populations.
37-47cm. A fairly small cinnamon-brown dabbling duck with white markings on throat and around eye, with the rest of the head being dark blackish-brown. Extent of white varies considerably. Also has a short white line below speculum formed by white tips to the outer one or two secondaries. Similar spp. A. gibberifrons lacks the white markings on the head and the white below the speculum, and the present species never shows a bulbous forehead.
Text account compilers
Berryman, A.
Contributors
Young, G., Krishnan, K., Krishnan, A., Jayadevan, P., Bishop, K.D., Purushotham, C., Anujan, K., Hearn, R. & Chakravarty, R.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Species factsheet: Andaman Teal Anas albogularis. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/andaman-teal-anas-albogularis on 27/12/2024.
Recommended citation for factsheets for more than one species: BirdLife International (2024) IUCN Red List for birds. Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/species/search on 27/12/2024.