Interactions: What is the Mallard associated with?
The Mallard is often associated with
hunting. Although hunting is regarded as a sport that helps to
control animal populations, the human interaction has been felt
in a couple different ways. Hunters used to use a lot of lead
and copper shot before switching to steel shot while hunting
these birds. The problem with this use of copper and lead is
that lead shot has led to poisoning of these birds. Since the
Mallards often consume small hard items to aid in the breakdown
of food in the gizzard, they would consume these lead pellets
and eventually absorb it and become poisoned. Copper shot is
also poisonous to ducks that feed on corn.
Hunting these animals is not their greatest threat from humans.
Destruction of their natural habitats is the greatest threat to
Mallard survival. Deforestation and destruction of wetlands has
greatly reduced the area in which these birds reside and raise
their young.
Mallards are a food source for many predators such as the
Gray Wolf, the
Snapping Turtle, and the
Bald Eagle.
As seen in their
reproductive habits, the
Mallard will often mingle with other ducks that are similar to
their species since they have been known to interbreed. They can
also been spotted with ducks that have less relation to them.
Mallards, along with most ducks in general, are attracted to
areas with other ducks, especially during migration. This is
true because when the climate is cool, open waterways with a
food supply are highly desirable, and ducks will flock together
wherever there is food and water during this time.
Mallards share their habitat with numerous other animals
considering they inhabit a fairly popular and prevalent habitat
in the northern hemisphere. Mallards can be commonly found in
the same areas in North America as
Whitetail Deer.
Some species of
hematazoans have been recorded as having a
parasitic relationship with the Mallard by infecting the blood.
Another blood parasite is the Trypanosoma avium, but does not appear
to be overly prevalent in Mallards. It can be transmitted via mosquitoes and
black flies.