Wild ducks and the rice industry in New South Wales

Abstract

The ecology and economics of wild ducks in the irrigated rice-growing areas of New South Wales have been investigated. Grey teal and black duck periodically cause some damage to crops; but only a small part of the population is involved, and the attacks are usually confined to those areas in the crops where growth is unsatisfactory for other reasons. The wood duck is capable of causing more serious damage to rice, and on some occasions does appreciable damage to isolated or neglected crops. The amount of damage caused by ducks is correlated with climatic conditions; and it is concluded that wild ducks are, on the whole, a very minor pest to the rice-growing industry. The value of shooting and the importance of cultivation practices in relation to the duck problem are discussed.