Baikal teal  (Anas formosa)

Intense trophy hunting caused the initial decline of this species, and is still considered a threat. The Baikal teal gathers in large flocks on wetlands, making it an easy target. In China and South Korea, this duck is also killed with poisoned grain. In both China and South Korea, however, the main cause of decline is now habitat loss, as wetlands are converted to agricultural land and developed into urban areas (2).

The Baikal teal is protected by national legislation in Russia, Mongolia, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and some provinces in mainland China. Some important teal populations occur within protected areas, such as Bolob Lake and Khanka Lake in Russia, and Katano duck pond in Japan. However, the law is poorly enforced, and declines continue. Plans to study the decline and to research the wintering status in China, as well as regulating the hunting of all duck species throughout China may help to prevent the continuation of this species’ decline. A management plan is being drafted for the wintering population of South Korea, and all range states will be urged to give the Baikal teal legal protection (2).