Mandarin ducks introduced from East Asia have established a self-sustaining UK population, with welfare dependent on mature woodland near water and availability of tree hole nesting sites.
Mandarin duck welfare in UK woodland riverside habitats depends on the availability of mature trees with natural cavities for nesting. Loss of veteran trees from woodland management removes this critical resource. Ducklings leap from nest holes shortly after hatching, requiring safe, unobstructed landing beneath nest sites — ground vegetation clearing beneath nest trees reduces duckling injury risk. Winter welfare depends on frost-free water with accessible seeds and invertebrates. Nest box provision where natural cavities are lacking directly improves breeding welfare outcomes for this charismatic introduced species.