The Studies and Research Office of Hunting FederationIn partnership with ACMA, concluded the analysis of pochard wings received last season 2019/20. 306 wings were analyzed, a result that as the first year we can consider discreet, in view of an increase for the season that has just begun, thanks to the opportunity to participate by sending a photograph without the need for preparation work on the wing to be physically shipped.
The composition in age and sex classes of the total wings (see graph), has shown the high presence of adult males, but also a good presence of young people: in fact, the young / adult female ratio is 6,3, a parameter that represents the index used to evaluate reproductive success. Since it is only the first year of study, no particular assessments are possible, if not the one that Italy has been reached by many young subjects during the autumn of 2019 and part of winter 2020.
Another interesting fact, quite common in all species of anatidae, is that the class of adult females is the scarcer, confirming a possible high mortality during hatching and parental care. Another particular result is the greater presence of young females compared to young males, that is the opposite of what happens in adults; however this data must be re-evaluated with a larger sample and with this year's research in which the entire subject will be visible. In fact, when the scapular feathers are missing in the wings, it can be difficult determine the sex of the animal, while it is easy to identify the age.