African Pygmy Goose

Nettapus auritus

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The African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) is a small, colorful waterfowl found widely across sub-Saharan Africa and is currently classified as Least Concern in the wild due to its stable and widespread population. It inhabits freshwater wetlands, including shallow lakes, marshes, swamps, and slow-moving rivers, especially areas with abundant floating vegetation. This species is primarily herbivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, seeds, and water lilies, but it will also consume small invertebrates such as insects when available. Well adapted to warm wetland environments, the African pygmy goose depends on healthy freshwater ecosystems to support its feeding and breeding needs.