Literature type: Report
Language:
Norwegian
In norwegian with english summary
External Link:
Full reference: Stokke, B.G., Hamre, Ø., May, R., Molværsmyr, S., Nilsson, A.L.K. & Pavón-Jordán, D. 2024. 420 kV Skaidi-Lebesby – radar-undersøkelser av flygeaktivitet hos dverggås og tundrasædgås ved Stabbursneset, Porsanger. [420 kV Skaidi-Lebesby – radar surveys of flight activity in Lesser-white fronted geese and Tundra bean geese at Stabbursneset, Porsanger.] , NINA rapport 2334. Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
Keywords: flight activity, avian radar, power lines, collision, Finnmark, Norway, Valdakmyra
Abstract:
In 2022 and 2023, an avian radar was utilized to investigate flight activity of lesser white-fronted geese (Anser erythropus) and tundra bean-geese (Anser serrirostris) at Stabbursneset, Porsanger, in Finnmark, Northern Norway. The Ramsar site Valdakmyra, which is situated in this area, is an important stopover site for lesser white-fronted geese on their way to their breeding areas in the spring, and to their wintering areas in the autumn. Lesser white-fronted geese flying westwards to their breeding areas followed a quite narrow route along a creek in the southern part of Valdakmyra. The tundra bean-geese utilized a much larger part of the area, following both an east-west and a south-north flight route. Geese that returned from the west did not seem to follow a specific route and arrived at rather high altitudes before landing at Valdakmyra. Statnett SF is planning to build a new 420 kV power line in a north-south direction west of Val-dakmyra. There exist three alternative routes: 1) just west of Valdakmyra (the “eastern” alterna-tive), 2) replacing an already existing 132 kV power line (the “central” alternative), and 3) further towards west (the “western” alternative). Both radar data and visual observations disclosed that both species crossed all the three alternative routes on their way from Valdakmyra and back. The “eastern” alternative is not recommended since geese regularly passed at low altitudes re-sulting in high collision risk. The two other alternatives are assessed to be better choices to reduce collision risk, because individuals that departed Valdakmyra gained height as they flew westwards. In most cases the geese passed the two alternative power line routes at safe heights. Similarly, geese that returned from the west lost height as they approached Valdakmyra. It is important to note that two years of data collection cannot exclude the possibility that other flight routes may be important in a longer time perspective. The most energy efficient flight routes may for instance be influenced by weather conditions, which of course may vary between years. In addition, a substantial part of the flight tracks was not recorded by the radar due to clutter, poor weather conditions, etc, resulting in suboptimal assessment of the collision risk at especially the ”western” power line alternative. It is highly recommended that a possible new power line is marked with bird diverters to reduce collision risk, and that regular searches for collision victims are undertaken.
Literature type: Report
Language:
Norwegian
In norwegian with english abstract
External Link:
Full reference: Kvalnes, T., Follestad, A., Krange, O. & Tombre, I.M. 2023. Evaluering av norsk handlingsplan for dverggås. [Evaluation of the Norwegian action plan for the Lesser White-fronted Goose.] , NINA Rapport 2349. Norsk institutt for naturforskning.
Keywords: dverggås, national action plan, Norway, priority species, conservation actions
Abstract:
The lesser white-fronted goose (Anser erythropus) is a critically endangered species in Norway. Due to a rapid decline in population size since the 1940s the population is now at very low numbers. In the previous three generations, the population has several times consisted of less than 50 reproducing individuals. In addition, the Norwegian breeding population constitutes almost the entire remaining Fennoscandian population of the species. Because of this situation, the lesser white-fronted goose is classified as a priority species with its own regulations in Norway. BirdLife Norway (formerly the Norwegian Ornithological Association) has since 1985 monitored the species annually in Finnmark, northern Norway. Geese have been individually ringed with neck-bands and leg rings, including GPS-loggers, which have identified migration routes from Norway to their wintering areas in Greece. Commissioned by the Norwegian Environment Agency, NINA has conducted an overall evaluation of the implementation of the Norwegian action plan for the lesser white-fronted goose which was launched in 2009. The aims of this evaluation has been 1) to evaluate the achievements of the management goals, 2) to evaluate whether knowledge from the monitoring is organized and disseminated appropriately for practical use, 3) to evaluate how the financial structures and conservation measures have been organised, and 4) to provide input for further knowledge acquisition and implementation of actions. The evaluation was based on relevant published results, such as reports from BirdLife Norway, scientific articles, and other information developed in the project. Informants from various relevant stakeholder groups and end-users have been interviewed. Additionally, a so-called red to green method was applied to evaluate the need for future knowledge needs and management actions. Stopping the ongoing population decline by 2015 and a long-term increase of the population size to a target of 1000 individuals, were the main objectives of the action plan. The second objective has not yet been achieved. However, the earlier population decline has been stopped and the population have displayed a slight positive growth rate. Thus, that the first objective has been achieved. In our evaluation, the change in population growth rate is considered to be an effect of the overall measures which have been made to preserve the species. A revision of the action plan is recommended. New achievable objectives for population size should be implemented as steps on the way towards a viable population size. The red list criteria can be used to define objectives and aid the choice of measures. To reduce adult mortality and increase the reproductive success, several conservation measures have been implemented. No entry zones have been established at important staging sites, such as Valdakmyra in Porsanger municipality and Rørholmen in Alta municipality. Annual culling of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in and around the breeding area have been carried out to reduce egg and gosling predation. Bans on hunting for greylag geese (Anser anser) have been imposed in large parts of Finnmark to prevent accidental harvest of lesser white-fronted geese. Extensive international cooperation with Finland, Russia and other countries has been important. Cooperations have included efforts to monitor, reduce illegal hunting and secure important functional sites along the migration routes and in the wintering sites. The conservation measures are in general met with support from the informants. They express that most people are concerned with the conservation of the lesser white-fronted goose. Staff in nature management and at museums use the knowledge generated by the monitoring and various research projects to a large extent. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the conservation efforts among other users of the areas where staging and breeding sites for the lesser white-fronted goose are found. We also observed a need for more accessible dissemination of the knowledge which is generated. Some of the informants expressed that several stakeholders do not agree with the ban on hunting of greylag geese in local areas. The established boundaries for where the hunting ban should apply are especially considered problematic. Several stake-holders also claimed that hunter skills are underrated when the underlying assumption for this ban is that it is difficult for hunters to distinguish lesser white-fronted geese from greylag geese during the hunt. This evaluation recommends that also farmers and hunters are included in the dialogue involved in the management of the lesser white-fronted goose. Enhancing communication will facilitate discussions on potential changes that can be implemented to meet their needs while at the same time mitigating the risk of harming the geese. A discussion on adjusting the boarders of the hunting ban should be part of such a dialogue. Our evaluation indicates that much of the conservation effort carried out has been important and should be prolonged in the years ahead. In addition, some new objectives for the species and conservation measures are suggested. However, the lesser white-fronted goose has a long migration route across many countries. Thus, there is a limit to what can be achieved with unilateral national efforts in Norway. To ensure a high probability of success, it will be extremely important that international efforts are also prioritized. Moreover, the evaluation reveals some knowledge gaps that will be important to fill such that more precise conservation measures can be implemented and the effect of measures, such as red fox removal, can be evaluated in more detail. Internationally, it is particularly important to secure stop-over and wintering sites against illegal hunting, degradation and disturbance. Continued monitoring during wintering, along the migration route and at staging sites in Norway is essential to assess the effects of the conservation measures. Based on information from the interviews, it should also be considered whether a dialogue group should be established. With joint meetings among the representatives from nature management, participants in the conservation measures and other affected stakeholders. A forum is likely to improve communication, allow for exchange of experience and knowledge, and contribute to an increased understanding and acceptance of the conservation measures. Hence, it can contribute to achieving the management goals.
Literature type: General
Journal: Vår Fuglefauna
Volume: 35 , Pages: 122-125.
Language:
Norwegian
(In Norwegian)
Full reference: Øien, I.J. & Aarvak, T. 2012. Dverggåsa på rett vei. [Lesser White-fronted Goose in increase.], Vår Fuglefauna: 35, 122-125.
Keywords: monitoring, news
Literature type: Action Plan
Language:
Norwegian
Full reference: Direktoratet for naturforvaltning. 2009. Handlingsplan for dverggås Anser erythropus. [Norwegian action plan for the Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus.] , DN rapport 2009-2.
Keywords: Dverggås, handlingsplan, \novervåking, trusler, tiltak, action plan
Abstract:
Denne handlingsplan en presenterer mål og tiltak for forvaltning av dverggås Anser erythropus. Hovedmålet med planen er å sikre at dverggåsa ikke forsvinner som norsk og nordisk hekkefugl. På lengre sikt er målet en bestand på minst 1000 individer i Fennoskandia. Foreslåtte tiltak omfatter blant annet fortsatt kontinuerlig forvaltning, kartlegging og overvåking av raste- og hekkeområder i Norge, reproduksjonsfremmende tiltak, økt forskningsaktivitet, økt samarbeid mellom nasjonale myndigheter for å hindre utilsiktet felling langs trekkruta og utarbeide en gjennomførbarhetsanalyse for avl.
Literature type: Report
Language:
Norwegian
(In Norwegian with English summary)
Full reference: Øien, I.J. & Aarvak, T. 2008. Dverggås i Norge. Kunnskapsstatus og forslag til nasjonal handlingsplan. [Lesser White-fronted Goose in Norway. Knowledge status and suggestions for a national action plan.] , Norsk Ornitologisk Forening, Rapport 3-2008. 58 s.
Literature type: General
Journal: Natur i Østfold
Volume: 26 , Pages: 3-13.
Language:
Norwegian
(In Norwegian)
Full reference: Pettersen, M. & Aarvak, T. 2007. Forekomst av tundragås Anser albifrons og dverggås Anser\nerythropus i Østfold. [Occurrence of White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons and Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus in Østfold.], Natur i Østfold: 26, 3-13.
Keywords: occurrence
Abstract:
Tundragåsa er en sjeldent forekommende art i Østfold. Ved utgangen av 2004 var det registrert 37 funn av til sammen 59 individer. Av disse er kun to funn av fire individer av underarten flavirostris. Når det gjelder dverggås foreligger det per 2004 kun tre funn av fire individer. To eldre observasjoner diskuteres. Disse er ikke godt nok dokumentert til å bli med i den offisielle funnstatistikken for Østfold.
Literature type: General
Journal: Vår Fuglefauna
Volume: 30 , Pages: 26-28.
Language:
Norwegian
Full reference: Øien, I.J., Aarvak, T. & Ekker, M. 2007. Imre er død - leve dverggåsa! [Imre is dead - long live the Lesser White-fronted Goose!], Vår Fuglefauna: 30, 26-28.
Keywords: news
Literature type: Report
Language:
Norwegian
(In Norwegian)
Full reference: Øien, I.J. & Aarvak, T. 2007. Overvåking av dverggås og sædgås i Norge i 2007. [Monitoring of Lesser White-fronted Goose and Bean Goose in Norway in 2007.] , NOF rapport 6-2007. 16s.
Keywords: Monitroing, Bean Goose, Norway
Literature type: General
Journal: Vår Fuglefauna
Volume: 28 , Pages: 171.
Language:
Norwegian
Full reference: Øien, I.J., Aarvak, T. & Ekker, M. 2005. Bevaring av dverggås langs den europeiske trekkruten. [Conservation of LWfG along the European migration route.], Vår Fuglefauna: 28, 171.
Keywords: conservation, status
Literature type: General
Journal: Vår Fuglefauna
Volume: 28 , Pages: 14-17.
Language:
Norwegian
(In Norwegian)
Full reference: Øien, I.J. & Aarvak, T. 2005. Satellitter sporer dverggås til sivilisasjonens vugge - Mesopotamia! [Satelltes track lesser white-fronted geese to the cradle of sivilization - Mesopotamia!], Vår Fuglefauna: 28, 14-17.
Keywords: Iraq
Number of results: 19