The numbers of Auckland Island Teal

Abstract

The numbers of flightless Auckland Island Teal Anas aucklandica aucklandica on Rose, Ocean, Ewing and Enderby Islands of the Auckland Islands were determined by capture-recapture survey and direct counting in late summer of 1982 and 1983. These surveys suggested that approximately 50 Teal reside on Rose Island, 8-20 on Ocean Island, a minimum of 81-109 and a maximum of 131-184 on Ewing Island, and approximately 76 on Enderby Island; perhaps 215-330 over the four islands. This survey, plus published estimates and sightings made on other islands of the Auckland group, suggested the numbers of Auckland Island Teal lies close to Falla's estimate of 'at least 500.'.