Asarcornis scutulata
CR

Asarcornis scutulata

Declining

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-winged_duck

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The White-winged Duck faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive wetland habitat destruction across Southeast Asia, with over 80% of suitable lowland wetlands lost to agricultural conversion and urban development. Hunting pressure remains intense throughout its range, as the species is highly valued for food and traditional medicine. Dam construction and water diversion projects have fragmented remaining wetland systems, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in critical breeding areas.

Threat summary

Habitat

White-winged Ducks inhabit dense tropical wetlands including swamp forests, oxbow lakes, and slow-moving rivers with extensive vegetation cover. They prefer secluded freshwater systems surrounded by primary or secondary forest, typically in lowland areas below 200 meters elevation.

Wetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionHabitat & natural process restorationSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationCompliance and enforcementLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Other threatened species in ANATIDAE

VU

Anser erythropus

Declining
VU

Steller's Eider

Polysticta stelleri

Declining
VU

Tachyeres leucocephalus

Declining
Aythya innotataCR

Aythya innotata

Stable

Threatened in Australia

Calidris ferrugineaVU

Calidris ferruginea

Declining
VU

Southern New Guinea Giant Softshell Turtle

Pelochelys bibroni

Unknown
VU

Australian Humpback Dolphin

Sousa sahulensis

Declining
CR

White-bellied Frog

Anstisia alba

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Asarcornis scutulata classified as Critically Endangered?
Asarcornis scutulata is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The White-winged Duck faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive wetland habitat destruction across Southeast Asia, with over 80% of suitable lowland wetlands lost to agricultural conversion and urban development. Hunting pressure remains intense throughout its range, as the species is highly valued for food and traditional medicine. Dam construction and water diversion projects have fragmented remaining wetland systems, while pollution from agricultural runoff degrades water quality in critical breeding areas.
Where does Asarcornis scutulata live?
Asarcornis scutulata occurs in Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Cameroon, and Canada (plus 13 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Asarcornis scutulata?
The main threats to Asarcornis scutulata are 11.1, 12.1, 3.1, and 3.2. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.