2025 game duck abundance survey results

The 2025 Abundance estimates for game ducks in Victoria report is now available, showing an estimated 4.9 million game ducks in Victoria.

The 2025 Abundance estimates for game ducks in Victoria report is now available, showing an estimated 4.9 million game ducks in Victoria.

The game duck abundance survey was conducted from 13 October to 7 November 2025, with experienced wildlife biologists recording the presence and number of game ducks at 855 randomly selected waterbodies throughout Victoria.

Surface water estimates from satellite imagery were used in combination with duck counts to predict duck abundance across all important game duck habitats in Victoria.

Grey Teal was the most numerous game duck species, with an estimated 1.65 million in Victoria during the survey period. There was also an estimated 1.48 million Australian Wood Ducks and 838,000 Pacific Black Ducks.

The estimated total game duck abundance in 2025 was approximately 22 per cent higher than the 2024 estimate, but lower than the abundance recorded in 2023.

The increase in Victoria’s game duck abundance was most likely due to a 68% increase in the number of waterbodies observed containing surface water at the time of survey.

The annual game duck abundance survey is part of a monitoring program that aims to improve our understanding of waterfowl population trends and ecology, providing important information on the status of Victoria’s game duck populations.

The data collected is used to inform adaptive harvest management to set sustainable duck season arrangements.

The Abundance estimates for game ducks in Victoria report was prepared by the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research for the Game Management Authority.

Media contact: Nick Foster M: 0417 293 365