Saving wetlands for wildlife & people

Scottish Greylag Goose Survey

Species/Populations

Northwest Scotland Greylag Goose
Re-established Greylag Goose

History
In 1997 a survey of the Northwest Scotland (NWS) population of Greylag Goose was undertaken to assess the population size and distribution (Northwest Scotland Greylag Goose Survey). Since then the NWS and Re-established populations have increased, and the extent to which the two now overlap is unknown.

The Scottish Greylag Goose Survey repeated the 1997 survey, however, it was expanded to include the whole of Scotland (the 1997 survey only covered western areas) in order to assess the degree of overlap between the NWS and Re-established populations.

The first survey was undertaken in summer 2008 and 2009.

Aims
Assess population size and distribution, and habitats used.
To examine the extent to which the NWS and Re-established populations overlap.
To estimate age ratios in the post-breeding population, across the breeding range.

Coverage
Whole of Scotland

Frequency
Undetermined.

In 2008 and 2009:
One survey in July (moult)
One survey in August (post-moult)

Methods
The census involves a stratified sampling approach to identify moult sites in July and a site-based approach in August that will provide a total count from certain key areas (e.g. the Uists).

Results
Results of the survey will be posted on the website when they are available.

Resources
Field ageing guide

Partner organisations
Scottish Natural Heritage




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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