Since the start of the programme in September 2005, 3,691 ruddy ducks have been culled in the UK. This represents nearly 85% of the estimated original population of 4,400 birds. 72% of these birds culled nationally were adults and a further 27% were fledged, immature birds.

The ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicensis) is a North American bird introduced to the UK over 50 years ago. A small number escaped from captivity and formed a feral population which numbered around 6,000 by January 2000. Since the early 1990s ruddy ducks, almost certainly originating from the UK, have appeared in Spain where they hybridise with the native white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala). In the long-term hybridisation could lead to the extinction of the white-headed duck, a globally threatened species.

AEWA strongly endorses the project because it supports the goals of the International Single Species Action Plan for the white-headed duck that CMS, AEWA and the European Commission have developed, with several other partners, in June 2006. The avoidance of introgressive hybridisation between the ruddy duck and the white-headed duck by eradication of the North American species would reduce one threat the white-headed duck is facing.

Click here to read the full bulletin on the UK Ruddy Duck Eradication Programme