Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry

Waterbirds
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Waterbird survival rates are a key component of demographic modeling used for effective conservation of long-lived threatened species. The Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) is globally threatened and the most vulnerable goose species endemic to East Asia due to its small and rapidly declining population. To address a current knowledge gap in demographic parameters of the Swan Goose, available datasets were compiled from neck-collar resighting and telemetry studies, and two different models were used to estimate their survival rates. Results of a mark-resighting model using 15 years of neck-collar data (2001–2015) provided age-dependent survival rates and season-dependent encounter rates with a constant neck-collar retention rate. Annual survival rate was 0.638 (95% CI: 0.378–0.803) for adults and 0.122 (95% CI: 0.028–0.286) for first-year juveniles. Known-fate models were applied to the single season of telemetry data (autumn 2014) and estimated a mean annual survival rate of 0.408 (95% CI: 0.152–0.670) with higher but non-significant differences for adults (0.477) vs. juveniles (0.306). Our findings indicate that Swan Goose survival rates are comparable to the lowest rates reported for European or North American goose species. Poor survival may be a key demographic parameter contributing to their declining trend. Quantitative threat assessments and associated conservation measures, such as restricting hunting, may be a key step to mitigate for their low survival rates and maintain or enhance their population.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Low survival rates of Swan Geese (Anser cygnoides) estimated from neck-collar resighting and telemetry
Series title Waterbirds
DOI 10.1675/063.039.0307
Volume 39
Issue 3
Year Published 2016
Language English
Publisher The Waterbird Society
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 10 p.
First page 277
Last page 286
Country China, Mongolia, Russia, South Korea
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details