Mascarene teal

The Mascarene teal (Anas theodori), also known as the Mauritius duck and Sauzier's teal, is an extinct species of duck that lived on the Mascarene Islands of Mauritius and Réunion. A small duck was mentioned in 17th century accounts from these islands which is thought to be this species, and it may also be depicted in one illustration. In 1893, various bones from the Mare aux Songes swamp of Mauritius were used to name a new species in the duck genus Anas, A. theodori, after Théodore Sauzier who directed the excavations. Additional remains from Réunion were considered to belong to the same species in 1999, and it was determined to be related to the Sunda teal of the Indian Ocean.

The Mascarene teal was a small duck; in comparison with the extant ducks of Madagascar, it was larger than Bernier's teal, but smaller than Meller's duck. While overall most similar to the Sunda teal, the two differ in details of the sternum and lower leg bones. One contemporary account described the bird as "grey". Based on the proportions of its limb-bones, it had normal flight capabilities and was able to fly between Mauritius and Réunion, explaining how it occurred on both islands. It possibly nested in tree holes similar to related teals. The species was listed among the favourite prey of hunters; while abundant in 1681, it declined quickly thereafter, becoming extinct on Mauritius around 1700 and on Réunion a decade later. It was probably driven to extinction due to overhunting and predation by introduced animals, particularly cats.