SMALL EFFORT FOR A SMALL GOOSE CAN GO A LONG WAY

Jul 15 2009 by Tony Henderson, The Journal

INTERNATIONAL efforts to save the smallest goose in the world from extinction have been boosted by new arrivals at a North East wildfowl centre.

Three red breasted geese have hatched at Washington Wetland Centre.

The species has suffered a 56% population decline in the wild in the last 10 years because of illegal hunting and habitat disturbance.

Listed as endangered on the World Conservation Union Red List, there is a high risk that it could become extinct in the wild and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust has long been involved in its conservation, helping to set up and fund the Red-breasted Goose International Working Group.

WWT staff are working with local communities in Bulgaria to protect the winter feeding grounds of the birds.