Canada geese in New Zealand

Canada goose

Canada geese (Branta canadensis) are a problematic introduced bird in New Zealand because of the damage caused to pastures and crops.

History

Canada geese were introduced as a game bird into New Zealand in 1905.[1] They were protected under the Wildlife Act of 1953 and the population was managed by Fish and Game New Zealand who culled excessive bird numbers. The number of birds increased and by 1996 they had reached an estimated population of 40,000 in the South Island.[1] In 2011 the government removed the protection status allowing anyone to kill the birds.[2][3] It was feared that farmers would resort to poisoning the birds although this was denied by Federated Farmers.[4]

Effects

Canada geese are often seen in pastures and in the braided river valleys of the South Island and damage to pastures was reported as early as 1925. They affect pastures by competing for food with the farmed animals and by leaving droppings. The birds may also be responsible for some damage to crops.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Spurr, E. B; Coleman, J. D; Whenua, Manaaki (2005). Review of Canada goose population trends, damage, and control in New Zealand. Lincoln, N.Z.: Manaaki Whenua Press, Landcare Research. ISBN 9780478093797.
  2. ↑ "Canada geese protection status changed". Beehive - New Zealand Government. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
  3. ↑ "Change to protection status of Canada geese". Department of Conservation. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  4. ↑ Cronshaw, Tim (25 March 2011). "Farmers deny poison plans". The Press.

Further reading

External links

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