Barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) are medium-sized geese that breed in the Arctic and migrate south for the winter. In Ireland, barnacle geese are considered a protected species under the Wildlife Acts.
Quick answer
Yes, barnacle geese are a protected species in Ireland under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018.
Barnacle geese are distinctive birds with black heads, necks, beaks, and feet and white cheeks and undersides. They get their name from the belief that they hatched from barnacles rather than eggs, due to the lack of observed nesting sites. Barnacle geese breed in the Arctic islands of Svalbard, Novaya Zemlya, and Greenland. They migrate long distances to overwintering sites in northern Scotland, Ireland, and along the North Sea coast.
In Ireland, barnacle geese primarily overwinter along the country’s east coast. Major sites include Dublin Bay, Wexford Harbour, Castlemaine Harbour, Dungarvan Harbour, and Tacumshin Lake. The geese feed on grasslands and agricultural fields during the day and roost on estuaries, lakes, and marshes at night.
Barnacle geese have a long history in Ireland and were once a common game bird. However, overhunting led to population declines in the early 20th century. To protect the remaining populations, barnacle geese have been designated as a protected species under Ireland’s conservation laws.
Are barnacle geese protected under Irish law?
Yes, barnacle geese are protected under the Wildlife Acts 1976 to 2018 in Ireland. They are listed on Schedule 3 of the 1976 Act, which affords them protection from:
- Intentional killing or injuring
- Interfering with nests
- Taking or disturbing eggs
It is illegal to hunt, trap, kill, pursue, snare, or disturb barnacle geese in Ireland without a specific license. Their nests and eggs are also protected from any interference or destruction. These protections apply year-round to barnacle geese and their nesting areas.
What other laws protect barnacle geese?
In addition to domestic protections, barnacle geese are also protected under international treaties that Ireland has signed onto:
- The Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) – provides a framework for conserving migratory waterbirds including barnacle geese.
- The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats – lists barnacle geese under Appendix II as a strictly protected fauna species.
- The Birds Directive 2009/147/EC – identifies barnacle geese as a protected species and requires Ireland to conserve their habitats.
These international agreements reinforce Ireland’s national commitments to conserve barnacle geese populations and their habitats.
Are there any exceptions to barnacle goose protections?
There are a few exceptions where legal control of barnacle geese is allowed in Ireland:
- Air safety – Geese that pose threats to aircraft around airports can be managed to reduce bird strike risks.
- Crop protection – Where serious agricultural damage is occurring, authorities may permit limited scaring or lethal control.
- Population control – Lethal control has been used to limit barnacle goose overpopulation and habitat damage in the Isles of Scilly and Scotland.
However, these exceptions require specific licenses and oversight. Any lethal control or scaring of barnacle geese in Ireland requires permission from the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Barnacle goose populations in Ireland
There are between 40,000 – 50,000 barnacle geese that overwinter in Ireland each year, making up around 90% of the world population. The numbers overwintering in Ireland have increased significantly in recent decades, as shown in the table below:
Year | Overwinter population estimate |
---|---|
1967/68 | 10,200 |
1977/78 | 21,400 |
1987/88 | 24,300 |
1997/98 | 31,700 |
2007/08 | 41,700 |
2017/18 | 46,500 |
The main threats to barnacle geese in Ireland include habitat loss, overgrazing of their feeding sites, and human disturbance. Climate change may also impact future breeding success and migration patterns.
While barnacle geese are now thriving in Ireland, continued monitoring and protection are needed to sustain populations into the future. This is important both for preserving Ireland’s biodiversity and fulfilling the country’s commitments to international conservation agreements.
Protection challenges
Despite their protected status, managing and protecting barnacle geese poses some challenges in Ireland and other European countries:
- Population growth – Expanding goose populations can increase grazing pressure and cause habitat damage to sensitive natural sites.
- Agricultural conflicts – Geese feeding on grassland and crops can negatively impact farmers and require solutions to reduce economic losses.
- Air safety – The potential of bird strikes with aircraft is increased with larger goose populations located near flight paths.
- Disease – Large flocks increase risks of avian influenza outbreaks that can impact wild birds, poultry, and humans.
Balancing barnacle goose protections while managing these potential issues can be difficult. Creative solutions that consider conservation, community engagement, non-lethal control methods, and sustainable land use practices are needed.
Responsible agencies
The following government agencies have responsibilities related to barnacle goose monitoring and management in Ireland:
- National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – Responsible for implementing protections, management plans, licenses, and policy.
- Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage – Oversees the NPWS and national conservation policies.
- National Biodiversity Data Centre – Coordinates nationwide surveys and monitoring of bird populations.
- BirdWatch Ireland – Contributes survey data and promotes barnacle goose conservation in Ireland.
- Local authorities – Manage public lands used by barnacle geese for roosting and feeding.
There are also a range of international organizations and conservation agreements that facilitate cooperative management of barnacle geese across their range countries.
Public awareness
Increasing public awareness and support for barnacle goose conservation can help ensure their long-term protection in Ireland. Potential education and engagement strategies include:
- Media stories on barnacle goose migrations, habits, and protections.
- Goose-watching tourism initiatives similar to whale watching.
- Signage and information panels at key barnacle goose sites.
- School educational materials and field trips focused on geese.
- Photography contests showcasing Ireland’s wintering geese.
- Engaging farmers through sustainable agriculture programs.
By spotlighting barnacle geese as a unique and valued part of Ireland’s natural heritage, people will be encouraged to take pride in protecting these birds into the future.
Conclusion
Barnacle geese are an iconic migratory species that overwinters in internationally significant numbers in Ireland. They are protected year-round under Ireland’s national wildlife laws and international agreements. While growing goose populations pose some management challenges, maintaining these protections and promoting public awareness are key to ensuring barnacle geese continue thriving in Ireland for years to come.