Portal to the Lesser White-fronted Goose

Literature type: Scientific

Journal: Ornis svecica

Volume: 31 , Pages: 125–138

DOI: 10.34080/OS.V31.22430

Language: English

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Full reference: Liljebäck, N., Koffijberg, K., Kowallik, C., Månsson, J. & Andersson, Å. 2021. Use of foster parents in species conservation may cause conflicting objectives: Hybridization between Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus and Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis. Ornis svecica 31: 125–138 https://www.dx.doi.org/10.34080/OS.V31.22430

Keywords: reintroduction, foster parents, Sweden, hybridization

Abstract:

Following the use of Barnacle Geese Branta leucopsis as foster parents in a conservation program for the endangered Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus in Sweden 1981–1999, mixed breeding pairs of the two species were established in the wild. We find indications that this was related to shared moulting habits of the two species in the Bothnian Sea during late 1990s. Starting in 2003, five mixed pairs produced at least 49 free-flying hybrid offspring until 2013, when the last breeding was confirmed. Reported numbers of hybrids did not increase in parallel to the production of young hybrids over time. After 2013, the number of hybrids started to decrease in Sweden and the Netherlands. Lower numbers of hybrids than expected can partly be explained by management actions taken, but may also be associated with low survival due to genetic outbreeding. Mixed pairs and their offspring entirely adopted the migratory habits of Barnacle Geese, overlapping very little with sites used by Lesser White-fronted Geese. We find no evidence that the hybrids ever posed a serious threat to Lesser White-fronted Geese breeding in Fennoscandia.

Literature type: Report

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.31858.30404

Language: English

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Full reference: Aarvak, T., Øien, I.J. & Shimmings, P. 2016. A critical review of Lesser White-fronted Goose release projects. , NOF-report 2016-6. 218 pp.

Keywords: release project, reintroduction, translocation, illegal, genetic, distribution, population, court case, hybrid, barnacle goose, carrier species

Literature type: General

Language: Swedish (In Swedish)

Full reference: Strid, T. & Wærn, M. 2010. Fågelrapport 2010. [Bird report 2010.], Pp. 45-149 in: SOF 2010. Fågelåret 2009. Halmstad.

Keywords: Occurrence, Sweden, hybrids, Barnacle Goose, Rarity report