Hybridization of American Black Ducks and Mallards

Anas platyrhynchos, also known as the Mallard, is a species of duck that is known to hybridize with many other duck species such as the Northern Pintail, Anas acuta, the American Black Duck, Anas rubripes, and many others. The American Black Duck has been suffering population declines for decades now due to over-hunting and habbitat loss. While they are still one of the most abundant species on the marsh, researcher has been done to determine the purity of the bloodlines. Currently at the Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge in Galloway, New Jersey research is being complied to shed light on this subject. Black Ducks are trapped and blood samples are taken to be analyzed. Some speculate that the Black Duck population, while visually appearing "fine', may be in serious trouble due to the inbreeding. More research needs to be done into the extent of the hybridiztion problems that the Mallards are causing, but the general population can contribute if they so choose. Mallards were originally kept as game birds and "pets" so if hunters were to focus more on these birds than other native birds, populations of natural species would be likely to increase overt time. This link gives many of the species that Anas platyrhynchos has hybridized with for reference.