Heliopais personatus
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
The Masked Finfoot faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive wetland habitat destruction across Southeast Asia, where rapid agricultural expansion and urban development have eliminated crucial freshwater systems. Dam construction and water diversion projects have fragmented remaining suitable habitats, while pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities degrades water quality in surviving wetland areas. Human disturbance from increased boat traffic and fishing activities further pressures this extremely secretive species, which requires undisturbed riparian vegetation for nesting and foraging.
Habitat
The Masked Finfoot inhabits densely vegetated freshwater wetlands, including slow-moving rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, and swamps with overhanging vegetation. It requires pristine aquatic environments with abundant riparian forest cover and minimal human disturbance for feeding on aquatic invertebrates and small fish.
