Maria Kombarova, a scientist at Perm University in Russia, reported that climate change, the cleaning of small rivers in cities, and a decrease in the number of bird hunters are contributing to an increase in the number of ducks in several regions of Russia.
The scientist explained that climate change has a positive effect on duck populations , and that measures taken to clean small rivers and surrounding areas have contributed to improving the environmental situation of these birds.
She said: “In recent years, which have seen mild and warm winters, the ducks have been more comfortable, as there are unfrozen bodies of water available, and they have not suffered from a lack of food. Due to climate change, more ducks are staying in Russia throughout the winter, especially in the southwestern Urals. The local ducks have also adapted to the Russian winter; unlike migratory birds coming from hot countries such as Egypt, the local ducks lay eggs and hatch their young earlier.”
She added: "About 20 years ago, our small rivers were heavily polluted, and ducks often laid shellless eggs, which were then broken by birds or sat on by dirty eggs. Now, winter ducks raise healthy and wonderful offspring."
She noted that ducks are very fat birds , storing a large amount of fat in their bodies and only using it when needed, so even severe frost doesn't pose a significant threat to them. People now feed ducks regularly, clear ice from bodies of water, and vending machines have appeared. The number of duck hunters in Russia has also declined, and hunting has become an expensive recreational activity, no longer a means of feeding a family as it was in the 1990s.
The scientist explained: "Hunters are killing fewer ducks, which has contributed to an increase in their numbers. Ducks are now a distinctive bird and have firmly established themselves in the urban environment. For example, in the Perm region, the number of winter ducks in 2025 was about 1,800, while this year the number has risen to 2,400, and the number is still increasing."
She added that current conditions sometimes make natural selection less effective , as weaker ducks survive and reproduce in urban environments, ensuring the continuation of the species. However, Kombarova noted that the long-term consequences of this disruption to natural processes remain unclear, emphasizing that unlimited growth is not possible , and at some point, ducks will face limitations in food resources and nesting sites.
