The New Zealand Brown Teal: 1845-1985

Abstract

The New Zealand Brown Teal is one of three subspecies of Anas aucklandica endemic to the New Zealand region. It is currently one of the world's rarest waterfowl. Its decline is attributed to habitat destruction, introduced predators, overhunting and disease following European settlement in New Zealand. This review marks the 140th anniversary of the species' description and traces its taxonomic wandering in the interval. Its relationships within the Anatidae, past and present status, and reasons for its decline are also reviewed. Information on the species' biology and natural history is assembled from a fragmented literature and the species' conservation and management is discussed. Where appropriate, information on the Brown Teal's subantarctic conspecifics is also presented.