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Swan Goose: here’s the scoop

threats

This species is threatened by habitat loss, agricultural development, disturbance by people and cattle, and pollution. While it is legally protected in Russia, Mongolia, South Korea and some provinces in China, swan geese are threatened by uncontrolled hunting. The concentration of birds at fewer sites in their wintering grounds renders the population to be even more susceptible to the impacts of pollution, disease, hunting, and the degradation of habitat.

Committed to Conservation

The Buttonwood Park Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP) for Swan Geese. The goal of the SSP is to cooperatively manage animal populations within AZA accredited zoos to ensure the sustainability of a healthy and genetically diverse population while enhancing the conservation of this species in the wild.

Species

Swan Goose

Scientific name

Anser cygnoid

Habitat

Breeds in wetlands in forest-steppe zones, including river deltas, river valleys with meadows, the margins of brackish and freshwater lakes, and in mountainous areas along narrow, fast-flowing rivers. In winter, it occurs in lowland lakeside marshes, rice field, estuaries and tidal flats.

Diet

Grasses, roots and seeds

life expectancy

20 years

Did you know?

Range

China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia

 

Conservation status

Vulnerable

Likely to become endangered unless circumstances improve