The shocking discovery of mallard ducks preying on pūteketeke chicks in Canterbury's Mackenzie basin has raised concerns among conservationists. The Department of Conservation (DOC) received a distressing tip-off, with photos showing three ducks hunting and killing freshly hatched pūteketeke chicks near Lake Alexandrina, south of Lake Tekapo. This incident is particularly concerning as the pūteketeke, a native bird, gained international recognition in 2023 when comedian John Oliver's campaign crowned it Bird of the Century. The DOC's principal biodiversity ranger, Dean Nelson, expressed horror at the sight of the chicks being eaten alive, an unusual behavior for mallard ducks. These ducks typically feed on plant material and insects, but the sight of them preying on pūteketeke chicks was unprecedented. The DOC is now investigating the possibility of mallard ducks learning this behavior from each other, as it could potentially spread. A similar case in Romania in 2017 involved mallard ducks attacking and eating the chicks of two common bird species, marking the first known instance of such behavior. The individual who reported the incident is praised for their proactive approach, as they took photos as evidence and contacted the DOC. This highlights the importance of public engagement in conservation efforts, as the DOC relies on the public to monitor and protect vulnerable species. The pūteketeke colony, which has 40 to 50 nests annually, has been a focus of conservation efforts due to its vulnerable status. The DOC has taken swift action by capturing and euthanizing the three ducks involved, and further monitoring is planned to ensure no repeat incidents occur.
