The important point about seasonal changes in the abundance of Cape Barren
Geese is that they breed on islands. So the most likely reason for a decline
in number at HMAS Cerberus in the past few months is that the birds have
departed to breed, perhaps just across the way to French Island or Phillip
Island or perhaps to the traditional breeding areas on islands in Bass
Strait such as those around Wilsons Prom. They will likely return with their
offspring in summer. The recent recolonization of Phillip Island and French
Island (and adjacent areas of the mainland) by this species is a welcome
change from the usual bad news stories in bird conservation. It presumably
relates to the cessation of shooting for the pot, and because they fouled
stock watering troughs with their faeces. On Phillip Island, the excellent
work by Phillip Island Nature Parks in ridding Phillip Island of foxes is
also undoubtedly benefiting this fine bird. When I first began working in
wildlife conservation in the mid-1970s the Cape Barren Goose was regarded as
a threatened species in Victoria - that it no longer qualifies makes it one
of the few successful threatened species recovery programs in this State.
Cheers
Peter Menkhorst
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