Cotton Pygmy-Goose - profile

Indicative distribution

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Key:

known

predicted

The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas. ( click here to see geographic restrictions). The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.

Scientific name: Nettapus coromandelianus

Conservation status in NSW: Endangered

Commonwealth status: Not listed

Profile last updated: 12 Feb 2018

Description

The Cotton Pygmy-Goose is a small surface-feeding duck with a goose-like bill. The male has a white head, neck and underparts, dark glossy green upperparts and a narrow dark breast band. Females are duskier and have a dark stripe through the eye and a white eyebrow.

Distribution

Although once found from north Queensland to the Hunter River in NSW, the Cotton Pygmy-Goose is now only a rare visitor to NSW. Uncommon in Queensland.

Habitat and ecology

Freshwater lakes, lagoons, swamps and dams, particularly those vegetated with waterlilies and other floating and submerged aquatic vegetation.
The Cotton Pygmy-goose uses tall standing dead trees with hollows located close to water for roosting and breeding.
Nesting occurs between November and April.
Goslings remain with the female until approximatley six months old.
Birds may move according to local feed supply.

Regional distribution and habitat

Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.

Threats

Clearing and draining of lakes and wetlands for agriculture and development.
Invasion of wetland habitat by introduced weeds such as Water Hyacinth.
Heavy grazing of wetland areas by domestic stock, and associated frequent burning.
Removal of standing dead trees containing nest hollows and hollow bearing live trees near lakes and wetlands.
Use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals near wetlands.
Potential impacts on water quality and habitat availability as a result of mining activities.
The introduction of exotic grasses such as Echinochlooa polystachya and Hymenachne anplexiaulis for ponded pastures choking waterbodies.
Feral cats and foxes.

Recovery strategies

A Saving Our Species conservation project is currently being developed for this species and will be available soon. For information on how you can contribute to this species' recovery, see the Activities to assist this species section below.

Activities to assist this species

Protect wetlands and lakes from draining or development.
Retain standing dead trees or trees with hollows near wetland areas.
Protect wetlands from heavy grazing and trampling by livestock.
Take care with the use of herbicides, insecticides and other chemicals near wetlands and consider alternatives where available.
Protect swamps from fire during burning off activities.
Assist with the control of introduced water weeds such as Water Hyacinth.
Assist in the restoration of wetland areas that have become degraded.
Report any sightings of the Cotton Pygmy-goose to the OEH.
Ensure floating pastures are not planted in known Cotton Pygmy-goose habitat.
Underake feral cat and fox control around know Cotton Pygmy-goose sites.

Information sources

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (2003) Threatened Species of the New England Tablelands and North West Slopes of NSW. (NSW NPWS, Coffs Harbour)

IBRA Bioregion	IBRA Subregion	Known or predicted	Geographic restrictions region

Brigalow Belt South	Northern Basalts	Known	None
Darling Riverine Plains	Bogan-Macquarie	Known	None
New England Tablelands	Stanthorpe Plateau	Known	None
NSW North Coast	Dalmorton	Predicted	None
Other State	QLD	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Clarence Lowlands	Known	None
South Eastern Queensland	Woodenbong	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Pittwater	Known	None
Sydney Basin	Wyong	Predicted	None

Nature conservation

Threatened species