Why in News?
Residents of Mudh village in eastern Ladakh have gained recognition for a 20-year tradition of protecting these birds during their breeding season, specifically by escorting fledglings safely to the Indus River.
About Ruddy Shelduck
- Large waterfowl (58–70 cm) with striking orange-brown (ruddy) plumage and a pale cream head.
- In flight, they display a sharp contrast between white wing-coverts and black flight feathers.
- Sexual Dimorphism: During breeding season, males develop a narrow black neck ring.
- Breeding: High-altitude wetlands in Central Asia, Tibet, Mongolia, and southeastern Europe. Ladakh is its only known breeding site in India.
- Wintering: Migrates south to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia from October to April.
- Known as one of the world's highest-flying ducks, capable of scaling the Himalayas at altitudes reaching 6,800 metres.
- An omnivore that feeds on grasses, young plant shoots, grains, aquatic plants, and small invertebrates.
- Revered in Buddhism as sacred and a symbol of marital fidelity.
- Commonly referred to in Indian folklore and local languages as Chakwa (male) and Chakwi (female).
Conservation Status:
- Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List due to its wide range and large population.
- Protected under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act in India.
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