News release: CDFW completes 2024 waterfowl breeding population survey
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed its 2024 waterfowl breeding population survey. The resulting data indicate the overall number of breeding ducks has decreased by 25 percent, while mallards decreased 12 percent, the most abundant duck in the survey. “Despite another good water year, the lack of adequate nesting habitat, particularly in the Central Valley, continues to restrict waterfowl population growth in California,” said CDFW Waterfowl Program Biologist Melanie Weaver. The complete 2024 California Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey Report is available at the CDFW website. The total numbers of ducks (all species combined) decreased from 495,438 in 2023 to 373,864 this year. This estimate is 30 percent below the long-term average.