Observation on behavioral characteristics of Leizhou black duck on tidal flats

ObjectiveThe living behaviors of Leizhou black ducks on tidal flats were investigated to provide references for establishing scientific management system for tidal flat breeding. MethodIn Tiaofeng Town of Leizhou City, 5500 Leizhou black ducks were continuously observed to study their tidal flat breeding mode and particular abilities to adapt to the tidal flats.ResultThe results showed that Leizhou black ducks mainly hunted natural animal such as fishes, shrimps, shellfishes and crabs on tidal flats. They led a regular life of eating and drinking. They possessed strong defense sense, avoidance skills and special adaptability to the beach. Leizhou black ducks were fond of dabbling. They teased feather for 15-20 times every day with 5-10 min each time. Meanwhile, their reproductive behaviors were regular as they mated at 7:00-11:00 a.m. and 15:30-18:30 p.m. They laid at 1:00-4:00 at midnight in a shared nest. However, their laying rates were easily affected by stress condi-tions like typhoon. ConclusionForaging, drinking, risk-avoiding, feather nursing, breeding behaviors of Leizhou black ducks were particularly adaptive to tidal flats. It is necessary to establish scientific tidal flat breeding management system based on their living behaviors and environment so that tidal flat breeding scale can be expanded and the economic value of Leizhou black ducks can be improved.