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Romanian Journal of Biology - Zoology
ROMANIAN ACADEMY |
HABITAT PREFERENCES OF THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE (BRANTA RUFICOLLIS) IN SOUTH-EAST ROMANIA DURING THE WINTERING PERIOD
EMIL TODOROV, DUMITRU MURARIU
Abstract:
In its wintering region on the northern and western shores of the Black Sea (Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria), the Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis) prefers open habitats, especially low-lying agricultural areas in the vicinity of large lakes, wetlands and flooded pastures. The geese are very sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, especially during the wintering period, when it is in its roosting and feeding areas. If disturbed in the feeding fields, geese make more frequent flights to avoid disturbance or even leave the feeding area in search of quieter places. Conflicts between geese and farmers are well known, especially in Europe, and managing these conflicts can be quite difficult, as it is important to find a balance between conservation and economic interests. In this study, the main habitats and the influence of landscape elements on the distribution of the Red-breasted Goose in south-east Romania during the winter season were investigated. During 2012â€"2022, Red-breasted Goose preferred three main habitat types in south-east Romania: agricultural lands as feeding areas and water bodies, and wetlands as resting and roosting sites. The main food source for these geese was represented by cereal crops, such as wheat (Triticum spp.) or barley (Hordeum spp.), which were encountered in 66% of the records, followed by corn stubble (14%) and pastures (8%). The results show that geese prefer feeding areas in close proximity to roosting areas, and the presence of geese in feeding areas was not influenced by the distances to asphalt roads and settlements. Depending on the season, the distances between roosting areas and feeding areas did not fluctuate significantly. The average distance was around 3,000 m, and the minimum distance around 200 m. The geese flew up to 30 km in search of feeding places. A sensitivity map was created to highlight the wintering areas in south-east Romania where Red-breasted Goose are most sensitive to anthropogenic activities related to the development of large infrastructure projects. It is necessary to expand the special protection areas (SPAs) designated for the conservation of the species, with a minimum distance of 3â€"5 km, and to establish feeding areas-refugees where the geese can feed peacefully, which could significantly contribute to reducing damage to wheat fields.
Citation:
EMIL TODOROV, DUMITRU MURARIU, 2025. HABITAT PREFERENCES OF THE RED-BREASTED GOOSE (BRANTA RUFICOLLIS) IN SOUTH-EAST ROMANIA DURING THE WINTERING PERIOD, Romanian Journal of Biology - Zoology, 70(1-2): 3–22.
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