Other Hunting > Waterfowl
Darwin mallards!?
hdshot:
Read this article and research is showing mallards are getting more of the domesticated genes. Sounds like weather may not be the only reason why mallards are migrating less often. Many other issues as well that could only make it worse.
“Researchers are discovering that game farm mallards have polluted the gene pool of wild mallards and are now producing a less viable product”
“domestic hens are bad mothers. They’re poor at selecting nesting sites, poor breeders, and just poor at survival in general.”
“It’s obvious these ducks don’t go anywhere. They aren’t programmed to. Unlike wild mallards, they live, breed, and die in the same place.”
https://www.hardcorewaterfowl.com/where-have-all-the-mallards-gone/
metlhead:
Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.
hdshot:
--- Quote from: metlhead on January 26, 2025, 03:07:20 PM ---Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.
--- End quote ---
Is that how you interpret the article? In domestic ducks I’m sure there is a lot of bother sister blood lines. Lol.
Platensek-po:
--- Quote from: metlhead on January 26, 2025, 03:07:20 PM ---Wouldn't domestic mallards just have the same genes as wild birds since they originated thare? Could be the new research showing Neanderduck genes causing them to stay put and be outcompeted by Cro-mallard.
--- End quote ---
No. That’s like saying that wolves and dogs are the same thing. Domestic mallards produce a higher body fat, have smaller wings and wing muscles that prohibits them from the flying in the manner necessary to successfully migrate and as shown, have a lower nesting success rate. The brought the birds back over from Europe after the local populations had been shot out. It’s pretty much a east coast problem and the farther west you go the lower the percentage of domestic dna.
MeepDog:
Definitely a country wide issue, but the ones I’m hunting still seem PLENTY smart.
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