Anas laysanensis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laysan_duck
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Laysan Duck faces severe threats from its extremely restricted range on just two Hawaiian islands, making it vulnerable to catastrophic events. Introduced predators, particularly feral cats and rats, prey on eggs and ducklings, while non-native plants alter wetland habitats. Climate change poses additional risks through sea-level rise and increased storm intensity, which could eliminate critical freshwater habitats on low-lying Laysan Island.
Habitat
The Laysan Duck inhabits shallow freshwater and brackish wetlands, including natural ponds, seeps, and artificial water sources on low coral atolls. It forages in emergent vegetation around pond margins and in adjacent terrestrial areas with native bunch grasses.
