Reducing the breeding success of Canada and Greylag Geese, Branta canadensis and Anser anser, on gravel pits

摘要: The numbers of nesting pairs Canada and Greylag Geese have increased steadily at the gravel pits Great Linford it has become necessary to attempt limit population growth because local agricultural damage. In 1990 gosling production was reduced by removing 817 eggs from 89 50 nests. first 12 days season, removal complete clutches 58 nests marked Goose resulted in 80% geese re-laying and, these replacement clutches, 95% were incubated. First removed after this period 21% only 28% unmarked replaced two hard-boiled or wooden an prevent re-laying. Seventy-two percent incubated substitute for a mean 38 days; 52% 26 days. Normal incubation is approximately 28 both species. Production 72 with one gosling. From experiments, concluded that successful strategy control through egg place early laying pairs. Few later will re-lay incubate their second clutch.