Case Study: Northern Pintail

The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is one of the most widespread waterfowl, making it one of the most numbers waterfowl worldwide due to their distribution  However, their populations in North America have been declining. The Central Valley of California supports over 50% of the Northern Pintail continental wintering population. However, with very little wetlands present, this poses a threat for habitat. In the 1960s, the population was estimated to be over close to 7 million and currently is down to less than 4 million pintails. Although common and widespread, there is a decrease in numbers because of the poor habitat quality in the United States. A main issue for Northern Pintails having recruitment is the way they lay nests. If their nest fails, they will not renest, this is problematic since they will lose their nest to grain harvest. Suggested management is to reduce hunting disturbance on the female Northern Pintails, and conservation efforts should try to conserve stopover sites during migration as well as conserve large and permanent ponds for the pintail.