White-winged duck upgraded to Critically Endangered.
November 4th 2024 | The white-winged duck, Asarcornis scutulata, has most recently been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2024 and has been upgraded from Endangered to Critically Endangered.
This iconic duck of South-East Asia's wetlands is on the verge of extinction. A combination of threats including habitat loss, disturbance and hunting have caused a collapse of its population over the past three generations (26 years: 1997-2023), probably exceeding 80%. There are now likely only 150-400 mature individuals left, widely scattered in populations across its once vast range, many of which are probably now too small to be viable. The species likely has an extremely high chance of becoming extinct in the near future. It is therefore listed as Critically Endangered.
Ex-situ population
The IUCN Species Survival Commission position statement on the role of zoological institutions in species conservation acknowledges the important role ex-situ facilities can play in species conservation. Species360 has partnered with the IUCN to demonstrate the scale of ex-situ support for species. The current captive population counts 172 animals in 39 holding instituions in 13 countries (November 4th 2024). The species is manages in two programmes: AZA and EAZA.
More information on the species and its assessment: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22680064/244637841
