Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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Heggberget T.M. (1991) Establishment of breeding populations and population development in the Canada Goose Branta canadensis in Norway. ARDEA 79 (2): 365-370
Information on the Norwegian population on Canada geese was collected through geese counts, wildlife management files, and questionnaires and interviews with local and central wildlife authorities. A small number of geese was first introduced to Norway in 1936. The population remained on a very low level until release activity increased in the 1960s. At least 787 geese were released or transferred to new areas during 1971-1984. However, the whole Scandinavian population originates from two very small founder populations. Breeding populations were established in 16 of the 19 Norwegian counties, lacking only in one inland county in Southern Norway and in the two northernmost counties by 1984. Average annual per cent increase in brood number was 25% in 1971-81 and 27% in 1981-83. Number of breeding pairs and autumn population size was significantly positively correlated with number of previously released geese indicating that geographical distribution and number of geese was much influenced by regional release intensity. The population increased considerably through breeding in the wild. The population in 1984 was estimated to consist of 700-900 breeding pairs and an autumn population of 5000-7000 individuals. The numbers seem to have continued to increase after 1984.


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