Review of Canada goose population trends, damage, and control in New Zealand

Content Partner: Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research. The history and management of the Canada goose (Branta canadensis L.) in New Zealand are briefly reviewed. Population trend counts in the South Island have been relatively stable over the last decade, after about 80 years of rapid increase. However, they are expanding their range outside trend count areas. Population trends in the North Island indicate rapidly increasing numbers. Most geese breed around inland high-country lakes and rivers and then move to coastal lakes and rivers to moult and feed for the remainder of the year. Damage by geese is multifaceted, but their economic impacts are largely unknown. Numbers are considered too high by both farming interests and urban authorities. Goose management both within New Zealand and overseas is discussed. Further research is needed to quantify the costs of goose damage, develop cost-effective methods of goose control, and improve the monitoring of goose population trends.