Status and population dynamics of Andaman Teal Anas albogularis (Muller, 1842) in the Andaman Islands

Field surveys were conducted in ten wetlands of North and South Andaman to find out the present population status of Andaman Teal. Physico-chemical and biological parameters of the water and mud samples were analysed for the Sippighat wetlands. Standard methods were followed for estimating teal abundance and physico-chemical and biological parameters. A total of 38 sites have been reported in the habitat of Andaman Teal in the Andaman Islands since 1890. A strong positive correlation was observed between Andaman Teal abundance with atmospheric temperature, water nitrate, phosphate, mud nitrogen and the density of zooplanktons, and negatively correlated with the remaining parameters. High levels of anthropogenic activities require immediate monitoring to mitigate their negative impact on teal and other waterbird populations.