The Red-breasted Goose is the smallest goose species not only in Bulgaria, but also in Europe and Asia. It weighs only about 1-1.5 kg and its colorful red, black and white plumage makes it easy to recognize.
In the nineties, at the end of the 20th century, the world population of the species was estimated at 88 000 individuals but in the following decade this number decreased by half. According to BirdLife International 2020, the current population of the Red-breasted Goose is estimated at only 44 000 – 56 000 individuals.
The species is included in a number of national and international conservation regulations. It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red list, which makes it one of the species that are globally threatened with extinction.
The Red-breasted Goose nests only in the tundra of the Taymyr, Yamal and Gydan Peninsulas in Russia. It is a migratory species – nesting begins in June and the autumn migration starts in the middle of September. In this short span, the chicks must be hatched and properly taken care of so they can start their first 8000km journey.
Wintering
Until the 1950s most of the Red-breasted Geese used to spend their winter in Azerbaijan but since then, they changed their wintering areas and have chosen the Dobrogea region (in Romania and Bulgaria).The reason was that the traditional farming (which provided appropriate pastures for the geese) at the Caspian Sea coast was changed with cotton plantations.
Thus, after 1990, Bulgaria emerged as a key country for the conservation of the Red-breasted Goose - in a short period of time during the winter, the region of Coastal Dobrogea accommodates around 70-90% of the world population of the species.
The Red-breasted Geese form mixed flocks with Greater White-fronted Geese and Greylag Geese and feed on agricultural lands with winter wheat. Peaceful wetlands for their night rest and lavish food are the two vital factors which attracted the geese to the region of Shabla and Durankulak.
Threats
The main threats to Red-breasted Geese are poaching, disturbance, loss of habitats and loss of feeding grounds. One of the biggest threats to Red-breasted Geese is poaching. Although the species is protected by law in most countries in which it has been observed, there are still cases of directly killed geese. Red-breasted Geese fly in mixed flocks with the Greater White-fronted Geese and often fall prey to hunters shooting at the flocks, although they are not the primary target.
However, disturbance remains a major problem for the Red-breasted goose. When hunting occurs near their winter habitats, the birds become extremely stressed. This does not give them a chance to rest and feed peacefully. Therefore, it becomes hard for them to accumulate enough energy for the long spring migration flight back to the tundra. Even if the geese manage to migrate successfully, they often do not produce any offspring at the nesting sites.
The rapid decline of the Red-breasted Goose population in recent years has made it one of the most endangered bird species on a European and global scale.
The risk of extinction of the Red-breasted Goose is very high due to its small global population, fragmented distribution, isolation and sharp decline in numbers.
Our work
Our efforts and activities related to the Red-breasted Goose are focused mainly on the conservation of the species and its wintering habitats – foraging and roosting areas. The aim is to establish a “safety zone”, where birds can roost and feed undisturbed, and where no poaching is possible.
In the nineties, at the end of the 20th century, the world population of the species was estimated at 88 000 individuals but in the following decade this number decreased by half. According to BirdLife International 2020, the current population of the Red-breasted Goose is estimated at only 44 000 – 56 000 individuals.
The species is included in a number of national and international conservation regulations. It is listed as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red list, which makes it one of the species that are globally threatened with extinction.
The Red-breasted Goose nests only in the tundra of the Taymyr, Yamal and Gydan Peninsulas in Russia. It is a migratory species – nesting begins in June and the autumn migration starts in the middle of September. In this short span, the chicks must be hatched and properly taken care of so they can start their first 8000km journey.
Wintering
Until the 1950s most of the Red-breasted Geese used to spend their winter in Azerbaijan but since then, they changed their wintering areas and have chosen the Dobrogea region (in Romania and Bulgaria).The reason was that the traditional farming (which provided appropriate pastures for the geese) at the Caspian Sea coast was changed with cotton plantations.
Thus, after 1990, Bulgaria emerged as a key country for the conservation of the Red-breasted Goose - in a short period of time during the winter, the region of Coastal Dobrogea accommodates around 70-90% of the world population of the species.
The Red-breasted Geese form mixed flocks with Greater White-fronted Geese and Greylag Geese and feed on agricultural lands with winter wheat. Peaceful wetlands for their night rest and lavish food are the two vital factors which attracted the geese to the region of Shabla and Durankulak.
Threats
The main threats to Red-breasted Geese are poaching, disturbance, loss of habitats and loss of feeding grounds. One of the biggest threats to Red-breasted Geese is poaching. Although the species is protected by law in most countries in which it has been observed, there are still cases of directly killed geese. Red-breasted Geese fly in mixed flocks with the Greater White-fronted Geese and often fall prey to hunters shooting at the flocks, although they are not the primary target.
However, disturbance remains a major problem for the Red-breasted goose. When hunting occurs near their winter habitats, the birds become extremely stressed. This does not give them a chance to rest and feed peacefully. Therefore, it becomes hard for them to accumulate enough energy for the long spring migration flight back to the tundra. Even if the geese manage to migrate successfully, they often do not produce any offspring at the nesting sites.
The rapid decline of the Red-breasted Goose population in recent years has made it one of the most endangered bird species on a European and global scale.
The risk of extinction of the Red-breasted Goose is very high due to its small global population, fragmented distribution, isolation and sharp decline in numbers.
Our work
Our efforts and activities related to the Red-breasted Goose are focused mainly on the conservation of the species and its wintering habitats – foraging and roosting areas. The aim is to establish a “safety zone”, where birds can roost and feed undisturbed, and where no poaching is possible.
- More than 100 ha have been purchased in the region of Coastal Dobrogea with the financial support of EECONET Action Fund and EURONATUR, Frankfurt Zoological Society, and the Committee Against Bird Slaughter, so that the species’ wintering habitats could be preserved;
- Materials and expertise needed for the treatment and recovery of Red-breasted Geese in distress have been secured as part of the activity of the Green Balkans Wildlife Rehabilitation and Breeding Center;
- Monitoring is implemented around the reservoirs and the adjacent territories of significance for the wintering Red-breasted Geese;
- Various information and educational materials and campaigns as well as activities for prevention of poaching and engaging public responsibility for the conservation of the species are put into effect;
How can you help:
- By participating in the prevention of poaching and by signalizing of any cases of poaching and illegal hunting;
- By disseminating information materials related to the conservation of the Red-breasted Goose;
- By hosting the travelling exhibition for the Red-breasted Goose;
- By learning more about the Red-breasted Goose and telling your friends about it;
- By behaving responsibly towards the environment in your everyday life;
- By donating funds for the conservation of the species and the conservation of wetlands. Find out more about donation opportunities here
