'World's loneliest duck' Trevor killed by dogs in Niue

The mallard became a local celebrity on the Pacific island after he was thought to have been blown in from New Zealand in a storm.

Trevor "the world's loneliest duck" has died after being attacked by dogs on the tiny Pacific island of Niue.

The mallard became a celebrity last year when he became the only duck on the island around 1,500 miles (2,400 kilometres) northeast of New Zealand.

Niue doesn't have natural ponds or wetlands so it was believed the mallard had blown in from New Zealand in a storm. He was later dubbed the "world's loneliest duck" for his solitary existence.

Trevor's life was cut short after he was "seen dead in the bush after being attacked by dogs", according to a Facebook page dedicated to the duck.

A follow-up post on the page read: "What a sad way for the journey of Trevor the Duck - Nieu to end.

"He flew/blew to Niue in a storm about a year ago, chose to live in the puddle by the side of the road, won the hearts of so many locals and tourists, he became a global celebrity and promoter of Niue.

"Taken too soon by a dog.

"Rest in peace Trevor - you were a very cool duck!"

The red marker indicates the location of Niue - 1,500 miles from New Zealand. Pic: Google Maps

The Pacific island has a population of around 1,600 people and Trevor became an instant hit with the locals.

He settled down in a large puddle near a road that the Niue fire service later topped up with water, ABC reported.

When the New Zealand Herald's deputy political editor, Claire Trevett, visited the island she found he had been incorporated into street directions.

She told ABC: "Someone said 'turn right past the duck' and then the whole story came out, the only duck on Niue."

Trevor Mallard, the speaker of New Zealand's House of Representatives, after whom the duck was named, offered his condolences.

He wrote on the duck's Facebook death notice: "Deepest sympathy to the people of Niue from the Parliament of New Zealand."

Rae Findlay, chief executive of the Niue Chamber of Commerce, said it was a "sad time for Niue".

Ms Findlay told ABC on Sunday: "He captivated the locals, of which there are only 1,600 in Niue, and the 9,000 visitors to Niue each year.

"He will definitely be missed, he captured many hearts and even the rooster, the chicken and the weka were looking a little forlorn today wandering around the near-dry puddle."