birding-aus

Canada Geese question

To: Birding-Aus <>
Subject: Canada Geese question
From: "David Adams" <>
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:08:48 +1100
On Jan 9, 2008 10:21 PM, Gordon and Pam <> wrote:
> Two questions, actually:
>
> 1.      I realise they breed prolifically, but just what is the problem with
> them? Do they harm other wildlife or other birds that were here first? Or do
> folk just not like them?

I love Canada geese as hearing them calling during migration is one of
my earliest birding memories. They're bold, beautiful birds and a real
pleasure to see. However, I'd not like to see them establish
themselves here. I have no idea what the situation is with Canada
Geese specifically, but new species always have to be considered as
potential disease reservoirs. C. Geese are big, fast breeding, and
good dispersers. If they are (or became) a reservoir for some sort of
avian disease, they could easily harm native populations without ever
interacting with them directly. (Again, I don't know what kind of
diseases C. Geese typically carry let alone what's in the New Zealand
stock, I'm making a general point.)

There are plenty of other reasons to be wary of new introductions but
I think they've already been raised.
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