Use of bulrush marshes by greater snow geese during staging
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Authors: J. F. Giroux, and J. Bedard
Date: 1988
Journal: Journal of Wildlife Management
Volume: 52
Number: 3
Pages: 415-420
Summary of Methods: Forage selection and distribution of greater snow geese (Chen caerulescens atlantica) grazing on salt marsh tidal areas during staging in the spring and fall were studied at Montmagny and Cap Saint Ignace sanctuaries in Quebec. Forage selection criteria were measured in designated study zones while geese were absent from staging areas. Selection criteria evaluated included above ground biomass of wildrice, below ground biomass of spikerush, previous use by geese, biotic and abiotic characteristics of marshes, and hunting pressure. Four study zones (one in each sanctuary, one outside of each sanctuary) were setup and goose counts conducted daily. Above ground and below ground biomass was collected at each zone.
Article Summary / Main Points: Geese utilized sanctuaries more during the fall than the spring, with greater numbers of birds observed correlating with use. Distance to nearest hunting blind was the only variable that affected foraging site selection by geese at both locations during the fall. Geese at Cap Saint Ignace were attracted to sandy sites, and areas with higher amounts of above ground biomass of wild rice. Geese avoided sites with higher amounts of gravel, forage was submerged longer, higher levels of below ground biomass of spikerush, and sites that received higher use the previous fall. Overall geese utilized Montmagny more than Cap Saint Ignace, and Montmagny was utilized more in the fall than the spring. At Montmagny geese preferred sites that had greater penetration depth, greater below ground biomass of S. americanus, and lower percent clay. Sites that were utilized less by geese included sites with higher percent silt, forage was submerged longer, and higher frequency of rock.
Vegetation Types: Riparian and Wetlands
MLRA Ecoregions: Not Applicable
Agrovoc Control Words: Riparian zones Grazing Wildlife
Article Review Type: Refereed
Article Type: Experimental Research
Keywords: greater snow geese, chen caerulescens atlantica, american bulrush, scirpus americanus, staging, marshes, quebec
Annotation: Authors examined the factors that influence geese distribution and site selection during spring and fall staging. While the information helps us to understand where geese are likely to graze, it gives us very little insight into the relationship between herbivore and grazed species. It has limited applicability outside of the study region and has limited information pertaining to geese grazing. Refer to other publications by the author within the RSIS database for a better understanding of the effects of grazing by geese on salt marsh species.
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