The Status, numbers and distribution of swans and geese in Lithuania

• Published in: Acta Zoologica Lituanica
• Main Authors: Švažas, Saulius, Stanevičius, Vitas, Čepulis, Marius
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 1997
• Subjects: Swans; Geese; Numbers; Distribution; Habitat use; Conflict of geese with agriculture; Conservation; Olor; Anser fabalis; Cygnus cygnus; lesser white-fronted goose; Whooper Swan
• Online Access: http://lmavb.lvb.lt/LMAVB:ELABAPDB5957537&prefLang=en_US

The status, numbers, distribution, populations trends and habitat use of swans and geese in Lithuania are analysed. 3 species of swans and 10 species of geese are recorded in Lithuania. Only the Mute Swan Cygnus olor, Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus and Greylag Goose Anser anser breed, while all other species occur as passage migrants, winterers or vagrants. With few exceptions, the status of swan and goose populations in Lithuania is favourable. Most populations are stable or increasing. The only species which has markedly decreased in numbers during the last decades is the Bean Goose Anser fabalis. There is special concern about the status of the globally threatened population of the Lesser White-fronted Goose. In recent years several Lithuanian staging grounds has been holding up to 5% of the total Lesser White-fronted Goose NE Europe population, but so far this species in Lithuania is not protected and it is still in the list of huntable species. Conflict of migratory wildfowl with agriculture is a new serious problem in certain administrative districts of Lithuania. Research, management and conservation priorities should be given to safeguard internationally important staging areas for swans and geese in Lithuania.