National waterfowl population survey shows 7% decline in breeding ducks from 2022
Published: , in Outdoor News
On Aug. 18, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) released its report on the 2023 Waterfowl Population Status based on surveys conducted in May and early June by FWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and other partners.
Total populations were estimated at 32.3 million breeding ducks in the traditional survey area, a 7% drop from 2022’s estimate of 34.7 million and 9% below the long-term average (since 1955). Ducks Unlimited Chief Scientist Dr. Steve Adair said in a press release that the overall numbers reflect a complex relationship between waterfowl, weather and habitat availability.
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