The Red-breasted Goose has suffered a staggering 56% population decline in the last 10 years.
Background
Listed as Endangered on the World Conservation Union Red List there is a high risk that it could become extinct in the wild. The main threat is faced at their wintering grounds, particularly on the Black Sea coast of NE Bulgaria. Hunting in this area prevents the geese from settling and feeding during the crucial time before their spring migration back to Arctic Russia. This escalating hunting activity at their main roost sites in Bulgaria is becoming an increasing problem and many birds are shot by tourist hunters travelling from France, Italy and Germany. Without adequate rest and refuelling for the return journey, many don't make it home.
Listed as Endangered on the World Conservation Union Red List there is a high risk that it could become extinct in the wild.
Threats to the survival of the Red-breasted Goose include loss of habitat (through oil exploration) on the breeding grounds and agricultural changes to their wintering areas resulting in conversion from winter wheat to vegetable crops and vineyards. Conservation initiatives for Red-breasted Geese are now underway in Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine and Russia and management plans are being produced for the most important roosts in Bulgaria at Shabla and Durankulak Lakes and at Lake Techirghiol in Romania.
WWT conservation action
WWT has long been involved in the conservation of the Red-breasted Goose and has also helped set up and fund the international Red-breasted Goose working group which involves all countries with Red-breasted Geese. Through this group WWT will monitor the status of the population, research into their threats and identify ways to protect them. In addition, through raising awareness and getting local communities involved, children will grow up to have a better understanding of why they must be protected rather than hunted and killed.