Goose management in the main wintering grounds of the Taiga Bean Goose population

Anders HallengrenCounty Administrative Board of Skåne

Background

Photo: Patrik Olofsson/N

• Several species increased, main increase from the Greylag Goose.

• Established in the 70´s.• Massive increase in the 80´s• The farmers where affected and felt

alone with the problem

The number of Geese in november in NE Skåne

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20130

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

A.fabalisA. brachyrhynchusA. albifronsA.anserB. canadensisB. leucopsis

The number of Bean Goose in November

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 20130

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

A.fabalis

1997 a Common Crane Group was formed with landowners, farmers, GMO´s, Nature conservationists and the authorities.

Inspiration was found at Lake Hornborgarsjön and from Germany.

•Later the Group included both Common Crane and Geese.

•A local management plan for Graylag Goose was produced 2002-2013

•For this work we got government funds.

The discussion Groups

• Two Groups are active today.• Several more Groups are in pipeline

Participants

• Farmers,• GMO´s (Swedish Association for

Hunting and Wildlife Management, Ornithologists, Naturskydds-föreningen),

• Valuers,• “Gooseman”, • County Administrative Board• Municipality representatives• Kristianstad University• Swedish University of Agricultural

Science• Professional hunters

What is positive?

Wide representation- all may join.Mutual understanding of the problem.We have shown the problem and therefore been granted government funds for our preventive work and compensation to farmers.Forum for discussions. Problems and solutions.We can contribute with our experience to others.

We care!

What is it good for?

Summarizes damage prevention

Reports on survey results

Economy reports

Discuss and suggest preventive actions

Information sent out to farmers.

Experiences after 10 yearsGood way to get advice and guidance out to the farmers,

Been able to get farmers to take bigger responsibility,Methods for assessment of damages has been developed,We can contribute with expertise in the assessment of damages,Our “Gooseman” is highly appreciated by the farmers.

The County

Dailey before 11:00 during 1 October and 31 December.Protective hunting

Protective hunting

• 23 a § If there is no other solution and if it doesn’t endanger the good status within the natural range, may a decision of hunting be made.

- in consideration to common health and security,- in consideration to flight safety - to prevent severe damage on crops,

domestic animals, forests, fishery, water or other property, - to protect wild animals and plants or

their habitats.

Appendix 4

Bean Goose that occur on fields with autumn crops may be hunted to prevent damage 1 January to 15 march.