Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program: New Mexico
Education, Research and Technical Assistance for Managing Our Natural Resources

Wetlands and riparian areas represent less than 2% of land cover in the southwestern United States and are expected to decline with the onset of climate change. Wetlands in this region are therefore exceptionally important to resident and migratory waterfowl and in turn, recreational hunters and ecotourism. The Mexican duck was only recently recognized as a separate species from the Mallard, and has been sparsely studied. Mallards are known to readily hybridize with closely-related species, therefore our study will identify habitat selection patterns in each species that may facilitate or discourage contact. The project is a collaboration of researchers from the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Mexico State University, and the University of Texas at El Paso, in coordination with Ducks Unlimited. Our project will identify habitat features and management practices that are important for supporting waterfowl populations, to provide guidance on water management and support recreational opportunities for hunters.