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Svalbard Barnacle Goose
Branta leucopsis
Species Accounts
- Background
- Status Summary
- Latest results
Conservation Status
Global (IUCN) Least Concern
AEWA A2
European (BirdLife) Non-SPECE
UK Biodiversity Action Plan Not listed
UK (BoCC) Amber
Population Status
Flyway population size 27,000 individuals (Wetlands International 2006)
GB estimate 22,000 individuals (1994-1999; Kershaw & Cranswick 2003)
GB trend General increase since 1960s
Breeding success Variable (generally 5-15%) but more low years (<5%) since late 1990s


Svalbard Barnacle Goose flyway



Status summary
Historically, Svalbard Barnacle Geese were common on the Solway, but by the 1930s a substantial decline in numbers had occurred. The lowest ever count, of only 300 geese, was made in 1948. Protection from hunting and the establishment of the NNR at Caerlaverock in the 1950s led to a recovery in numbers, and by the 1960s there were 3,000-4,000. Further increases occurred during the 1970s and 1980s, following the establishment of the WWT reserve at Caerlaverock. This trend continued through the 1980s and 1990s, with a sharp increase in the mid 1990s. In 2008, 60 years after the low point of 300 recorded in 1948, the population is close to 30,000.

Abundance

Winter population estimates for Svalbard Barnacle Goose, 1960/61 to 2007/08 (WWT data).

Productivity

The mean percentage of young (columns) and mean brood size (dots) of Svalbard Barnacle Geese on the Solway, 1960/61 to 2007/08 (WWT data).




The Goose & Swan Monitoring Programme (GSMP) monitors numbers and breeding success of geese and swans in the UK during the non-breeding season. GSMP is organised by WWT on behalf of WWT and JNCC.

Email: monitoring@wwt.org.uk

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Slimbridge, Gloucestershire GL2 7BT
T: +44 (0) 1453 891900 E: enquiries@wwt.org.uk
Registered Charity no. 1030884

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