The greylag goose (Anser anser) is a large species of goose that breeds across northern and central Europe and Asia. It is the ancestor of most domestic geese and is the largest and bulkiest of the grey geese. The greylag goose has historically been an important game bird, being hunted for both food and feathers. However, due to overhunting and habitat loss, greylag goose populations declined sharply during the 19th and 20th centuries. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize and recover populations in some areas, leading to questions around how common or rare the greylag goose is today.
Quick Answers
The greylag goose is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Its extensive range and large populations mean it does not currently meet the threshold to be considered globally threatened or endangered. However, there is variation in the status of greylag goose populations in different regions. In parts of its native European range, the species has recovered well and is now quite common. Elsewhere, particularly in Asia, declines continue and isolated populations can be extremely small and rare.
Greylag Goose Species Overview
Description
The greylag goose is one of the larger species of goose, measuring 71–94 cm (28–37 in) long with a wingspan of 147–180 cm (58–71 in). It has largely grey plumage with a pink bill and legs. It can be distinguished from other grey geese by its large size, orange legs and extensive white patch on its lower belly.
Range and Habitat
Greylag geese have an extremely wide breeding range across temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia. Populations breed from Iceland and the UK east through Scandinavia, the Baltic region, and northern Russia. Southern breeding populations are found from France and Spain to Kazakhstan. Wintering grounds can extend as far south as northern Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, India and Myanmar, and parts of China.
Greylags largely inhabit open wetlands, nesting on islands in lakes or on the coast. They forage in wet meadows, pastures, stubble fields, marshes and flooded plains. Migratory birds use larger waterbodies as stopover habitat.
Diet and Behavior
Greylag geese are herbivorous, feeding on grasses, aquatic plants, crops and occasionally invertebrates. They live in flocks which can contain several hundred or even thousands of individuals during migration. The geese pair for life and females return to their natal site each year to breed. Nests are built on the ground near water and contain 5–6 eggs on average.
Conservation Status
The greylag goose is assessed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This means that globally, the species does not currently meet the threshold to qualify as threatened or near threatened. However, there is considerable variation in the status and trends of populations across the wide range.
Europe
In Europe, greylag goose populations increased substantially during the 20th century following reduced hunting pressure and greater legal protection. Reintroduction programs also helped bolster populations in several countries including the UK, Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. Numbers wintering in Europe are estimated at 779,000–1,230,000 birds.[1] The large population size and widespread distribution means the greylag goose is not considered threatened at a European level. They are legally hunted in many countries during set seasons.
Country | Population | Trend |
---|---|---|
Iceland | 12,000-18,000 breeding pairs | Stable |
United Kingdom | 150,000 individuals | Increasing |
Netherlands | 110,000-147,000 individuals | Increasing |
Asia
In contrast, Asian populations of greylag geese have declined more severely, particularly in south and east Asia. This is driven by hunting, wetland habitat loss and replacement of native plants with intensive agriculture. For example, the wintering population at Bharatpur, India declined from over 100,000 in the 1980s to less than 20,000 in the 2000s.[2] Many isolated breeding populations now number only in the hundreds or dozens of pairs. These include countries like Mongolia, Kazakhstan, China and Myanmar. Habitat protection and reduced hunting pressure are critical to prevent further declines.
Country | Population | Trend |
---|---|---|
Mongolia | 100-200 breeding pairs | Declining |
China | 2,500-9,999 individuals | Declining |
Kazakhstan | 50-1,000 breeding pairs | Declining |
Is the greylag goose rare?
The answer depends greatly on the geographic region in question. In much of Europe, greylag goose populations are abundant and the species is actively hunted. However, in parts of Asia, particularly Mongolia, China, and Central Asia, greylag geese have become extremely rare. Isolated breeding populations number only in the hundreds or dozens of pairs and face threats from hunting and habitat loss. So while the greylag goose as a species remains widespread and numerous enough to be of Least Concern, concentrated conservation efforts are needed in Asia to preserve locally rare and threatened populations of greylags.
Conclusion
The greylag goose has an extensive range across the Palearctic region of Europe and Asia. Due to population recoveries in Europe, the species is not globally threatened and is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List. However, Asian populations have declined more severely from pressures like hunting and wetland degradation. Though still locally common in parts of its range, the greylag goose has become extremely rare and endangered in areas such as Mongolia and western China. Targeted conservation programs that protect key wetlands and limit hunting are vital to prevent further declines of isolated Asian greylag goose populations.