Re-Establishment of the Giant Canada Goose in Iowa

• Main Authors: Bishop, Richard A., Howling, Ronald G.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: UNI ScholarWorks 1972
• Subjects: Canada geese; Ingham Lake; flock establishment; nesting; mortality rates; hunting; public use; Canada; Branta canadensis; Canada Goose
• Online Access: https://scholarworks.uni.edu/pias/vol79/iss1/7; https://scholarworks.uni.edu/context/pias/article/1704/viewcontent/07_Re_Establishment_of_the_Giant_Canada_Goose_in_Iowa.pdf

Giant Canada geese (Branta canadensis maxima) were common nesters in Iowa before 1900 but were exterminated through overexploitation about that time. Recent efforts by the Iowa Conservation Commission to re-establish these birds have been successful. By providing protection and nesting areas this flock has been increased from a few pair in 1964 to 800-1,000 birds in 1970. The birds have adapted to the surrounding habitat and established a migration tradition. The goal is to increase the flock to 7,000 birds.