Pāteke Brown Teal are an endemic dabbling duck that 
were once abundant and widely distributed throughout 
New Zealand but are now classified as ‘threatened.’ 
They need help for their population to recover.

Pāteke are most abundant on Aotea Great Barrier Island, Northland, and Coromandel, with an estimated total population of 1000-5000.

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Several factors have contributed to the dramatic decline in numbers for this species. Introduced predators such as rats and mustelids, as well as human activities such as habitat clearance and unsustainable hunting practises have led to the Brown Teal becoming New Zealand’s rarest mainland duck species.

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Unlike other duck species, these birds are mainly active in the evening and at night and can be difficult to observe during daylight hours.

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Predation by feral cats is probably a significant contributor to Pāteke mortality, however the causes of decline are complex and most likely due to a combination of factors, including predation, habitat destruction, drought conditions, food availability and starvation. More research and monitoring is needed to determine what factors are having the greatest impact on pāteke survival and recruitment.