Habitat
Inland freshwater wetlands, including lakes, rivers, woodland ponds and marshes, especially in humid forested areas, rice-fields. Rarely found in coastal regions. From sea-level - 2,000 m.
Eastern and High Plateau of Madagscar. Introduced to Mauritius.
 
Rarity Status
Currently this species is not classified as a rarity in this country OR information has not been updated.
Population
Estimated population is 2,000 - 5,000 (2010) and decreasing.
Status EN
Habitat destruction, predation by introduced exotic carnivorous fishes on young, and hunting are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Habits
In the breeding season it usually occurs in pairs. In non-breeding season small groups, or occasionally in large flocks, sometimes over 200 birds.
Food
Aquatic seeds and plants, invertebrates, particularly molluscs. Also probably rice when available.