Management of the Barnacle Goose ( Branta leucopsis ) in Finland: Conservation versus Hunting

• Main Author: Mikkola, Heimo
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: IntechOpen 2021
• Subjects: Birds - Challenges and Opportunities for Business; Conservation and Research; Barnacle goose; Branta leucopsis
• Online Access: https://mts.intechopen.com/articles/show/title/management-of-the-barnacle-goose-em-branta-leucopsis-em-in-finland-conservation-versus-hunting; https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.96863

The Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) has had recent uncontrolled population increase in all of its northern distribution areas and is now one of the three most abundant goose species in the world. Not many birds, other than this have had such a naming mystery and a long time it was not known if the Barnacle Goose was a bird or a fish. So no wonder that also its conservation or possible hunting divides the opinions of people and authorities. This chapter is suggesting well regulated, sustainable, springtime hunting of these geese in such agriculture fields they will cause most serious crop losses. To be effective and meet public social approval, management actions must have a strong scientific basis and include an efficient monitoring programme. Necessary decisions to reach a consensus among stakeholders are discussed.