Migration strategies of Swan Geese Anser cygnoides from northeast Mongolia

Wildfowl
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Abstract

In 2006–2008, 25 Swan Geese Anser cygnoides were marked with solar-powered GPS satellite transmitters in northeast Mongolia to examine the timing and pathways of their migration. Most geese began their autumn migration in August, flying southeast toward a staging area at the Yalu River Estuary on the China-North Korea border. After staging for several weeks, the Swan Geese continued to their wintering grounds at wetlands along the Yangtze River Basin of eastern China in December. Spring migration commenced in late February, and the birds following either a same-route or loop migration to arrive at the breeding grounds in mid April. Swan Geese used a larger number of staging areas for a longer duration when they were north of 42°N latitude; they seemed to avoid staging for extended periods in the highly urbanised areas of eastern China. Further research should examine threats and disturbances to the geese in relation to human population growth and increasing urbanisation.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Migration strategies of Swan Geese Anser cygnoides from northeast Mongolia
Series title Wildfowl
Volume 61
Year Published 2011
Language English
Publisher Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Publisher location Slimbridge, Gloucestershire
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Western Ecological Research Center
Description 20 p.
First page 90
Last page 109
Country Mongolia
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