The greater snow goose Anser caerulescens atlanticus: Managing an overabundant population

Josée Lefebvre,Eric T Reed,Austin Reed,Luc Bélanger,Jean-François Giroux,Gilles Gauthier

doi:10.1007/s13280-016-0887-1

Abstract

Between the early 1900s and the 1990s, the greater snow goose Anser caerulescens atlanticus population grew from 3000 individuals to more than 700 000. Because of concerns about Arctic degradation of natural habitats through overgrazing, a working group recommended the stabilization of the population. Declared overabundant in 1998, special management actions were then implemented in Canada and the United States. Meanwhile, a cost–benefit socioeconomic analysis was performed to set a target population size. Discussions aiming towards attaining a common vision were undertaken with stakeholders at multiple levels. The implemented measures have had varying success; but population size has been generally stable since 1999. To be effective and meet social acceptance, management actions must have a scientific basis, result from a consensus among stakeholders, and include an efficient monitoring programme. In this paper, historical changes in population size and management decisions along with past and current challenges encountered are discussed.

Highlights

The snow goose Anser caerulescens is one of the two most abundant goose species in North America and is distributed across the whole continent
This paper focuses on the greater snow goose which is largely confined to the Atlantic
North American goose managers have faced a new problem of overabundant populations

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The snow goose Anser caerulescens is one of the two most abundant goose species in North America and is distributed across the whole continent. Publication of the report by Batt (1998) quickly led authorities to declare greater snow geese as overabundant and allowed the use of special conservation measures in Canada starting in 1999 These included the legalization of formerly prohibited hunting techniques, such as sneaking (stalking) on goose flocks, use of electronic goose calls, baiting to lure birds (under specific permits and conditions), and a spring conservation harvest. The CWS published Action Plans for the 1997–2002 and 2005–2010 periods with the main objectives of preventing damage to natural snow goose habitats and reducing crop damage while maintaining the economic benefits associated with the passage of migrating geese in Quebec and improving the long-term management of the population. This was the case with the lesser snow goose population where no density-dependent effects were observed during this period (Leafloor et al 2012)

Findings

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSIONS