description Chatham Duck Overview
The Chatham duck, Anas chathamica, was an extinct duck endemic to the Chatham Islands of New Zealand. It is known from Holocene subfossil bones rather than historical observations, and the remains indicate a large bird that was unable to fly. The species disappeared after human settlement of the islands, although the exact timing and relative contributions of hunting, introduced mammals, and habitat change remain subjects of study.
help Chatham Duck FAQ
What was the Chatham duck?
The Chatham duck, Anas chathamica, was an extinct duck endemic to New Zealand’s Chatham Islands. It is known from Holocene subfossil bones rather than historical observations.
Could the Chatham duck fly?
No. The remains indicate that it was a large flightless bird, unlike many living ducks.
Where did the Chatham duck live?
It lived on the Chatham Islands, an island group east of New Zealand. Its restricted island range made it especially vulnerable to changes caused by human settlement.
Why did the Chatham duck disappear?
The species disappeared after humans reached the Chatham Islands, with hunting and introduced animals among the likely pressures. Because there are no historical observations, its final decline is reconstructed from archaeological and fossil evidence.
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