THE 1996 NATIONAL CENSUS OF PINK-FOOTED AND GREYLAG GEESE IN BRITAIN

SUMMARY The 37th consecutive census of Pink-footed and Greylag Geese in Britain took place in autumn and early winter 1996. Two discrete counts were undertaken, recording max im a of 234,379 Pink-footed G eese in October and 79,576 Greylag Geese in November. The October counts for Pink-footed Geese were carried out under good conditions and no major sites were missed. The November counts for Greylag Geese are believed to be accurate due to good coverage, coordination and counting conditions. The suggested population estimates are 235,000 Pink-footed Geese and 80,000 Greylag Geese. The Pink-footed Goose total represents a 17% increase compared with 1995, whilst the Greylag Goose population estimate has decreased by 4% compared to the previous year. 80th species had a reasonable breeding season in 1996 with 18.8% and 19.9% young for Pink-footed and Greylag Geese respectively. Mean brood size was 2.4 young/pair for Pink-footed and 2.6 young/pair for Greylag Geese. The regional distribution of the birds and the importance of key sites are discussed. Annual hunting statistics from Iceland suggest that in 1996, an estimated 36,500 Greylag and 12,000 Pink-footed Geese were reported shot (similar figures to those reported in 1995). The impact of this level of hunting, especially for Greylag Geese, is discussed.