Additional data confirms the impact of the COVID19 lockdown on the behavior and fattening of migratory snow geese

The COVID19 lockdown provided a unique opportunity to study the impact of human activities and conservation measures on wildlife. However, most lockdown studies were opportunistic and based on limited data, because this ‘natural experiment’ was unexpected and short-lasting. Replication of scientific results is the cornerstone of the scientific method and ensures that conclusions from such short-term studies are robust. Here, we test predictions arising from a previous study where we showed the impact of the lockdown-induced reduction in hunting disturbance on the body condition and behavior of greater snow geese (Anser caerulescens a.), a species whose management is crucial for the conservation of northern ecosystems. The analysis of two additional years of data confirmed our predictions. The return to a high hunting pressure in springs 2021–2022 (post-lockdown) reduced overall goose body condition compared to the lockdown year. Goose fattening in post-lockdown springs was very similar to pre-lockdown years, differing from 2020 when a high body condition was reached earlier in spring than in any other year. Radio-tracked birds spent more time in profitable but risky agricultural lands in 2021 compared to 2020, as was the case in the pre-lockdown year. Our study provides robust evidence confirming the impacts of spring hunting on greater snow goose physiology. It demonstrates the long-lasting efficiency of the spring conservation hunt established two decades ago to limit the size of the population with the aim of preserving Arctic ecosystems from overgrazing and associated negative impacts on other arctic-nesting birds. •Snow goose body condition and movements were monitored before, during and after the COVID lockdown.•During the lockdown, geese reached a high body condition earlier than ever measured.•Post-lockdown goose body condition and behavior were similar to pre-lockdown years.•Hunting and associated disturbance is the main driver of snow goose body condition in spring.•Spring hunting is an effective, long-lasting and quickly reversible measure to control goose populations.