1. Habitat Loss: Destruction, degradation, and fragmentation of wetland habitats are primary threats to ducks. Loss of wetlands due to human activities like urbanization, drainage, deforestation, and agriculture, reduces breeding and nesting sites, sources of food, and migration routes.
2. Hunting: Over-hunting and illegal hunting are significant threats to duck populations. Ducks are hunted for food, sport, and feathers, leading to population decline in many areas.
3. Pollution: Water pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, oil spills, plastics, and other contaminants harm ducks' habitats, food sources, and overall health. Pollutants disrupt hormone levels and affect reproduction.
4. Lead Poisoning: Ducks can ingest lead pellets from spent ammunition when feeding in areas frequented by hunters. Lead poisoning can cause neurological damage, kidney failure, and death in ducks.
5. Diseases: Viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections such as Duck Viral Hepatitis (DVH), Avian Influenza, and Avian Cholera can pose significant health risks for duck populations.
6. Climate Change: The effects of climate change, including rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, melting glaciers, and sea level rise, can alter habitats, migration patterns, and food availability for ducks.
7. Boat Traffic: High levels of boat traffic in sensitive duck habitats can disturb the birds, damage their nesting sites, and displace them from essential feeding areas.
8. Invasive Species: Non-native plant and animal species introduced into duck habitats can outcompete native species for food and nesting sites. For instance, the invasive purple loosestrife plant threatens wetlands by replacing native vegetation vital to ducks' diet and shelter.
9. Predators: Although predation is a natural part of ecosystems, human-induced factors can escalate predator populations. Increasing numbers of predators like foxes, raccoons, and certain avian species can significantly impact duck nests, eggs, and young ducklings.
10. Power Lines and Wind Turbines: Ducks migrating at night can collide with power lines and wind turbines, leading to injury or death. Mitigating these structures can help reduce duck mortality.
Understanding and addressing these threats are crucial for the long-term survival of duck species and the preservation of their essential role in ecosystems.