Goose-army of Gambia

The goose-army of Gambia ( Plectropterus gambensis ) is a Canard of the family of the Anatidé S, it is related with the Tadorne S.

Plectropterus gambensis is only the species kind Plectropterus .

Description

It measures between 75 and 100 cm with a neck and lengthened legs. The top of the body is black with green reflections on the wings, the belly is white. The head is white except for the skin between the eyes and the nozzle which is naked and red, the males have a red bump on the head. This species draws its name from the spur located on the wrist of each wing.

Habitat

One meets this species in all the Africa in the south of the the Sahara, it attends many types of water points: lakes, marsh, rivers… It is however absent from Madagascar.

Biology

Gregarious species, the goose-army of Gambia lives in group of about fifty individuals. It is nourished while grazing along the banks. The reproduction takes place during the rain season, the nest is placed in the bordering vegetation, a Termitière or an old nest of Ombrette. It is a sedentary species which carries out important movements only in the event of prolonged dryness.

Populations

The population lies between 350.000 and 500.000 individuals, this species is not threatened.

External bonds

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