In an effort to control the rapidly growing goose population, the city of Vancouver is considering culling approximately 150-200 geese per year.
Wild geese thrive in Vancouver. Video : CBC
The Vancouver Parks Board (VPB) has approved a new plan to manage Canadian geese, including measures to cull hundreds of geese annually, Phys.org reported on May 17. The species was introduced to Vancouver in the late 1960s for hunting and other purposes. The goose population has grown from an initial 100 to over 20,000 due to abundant grass and water, fewer natural predators such as eagles and coyotes, and regulations restricting hunting. The excessive number of geese has caused numerous problems for the city and its residents, leading to an increase in emergency calls.
According to research findings, geese feed on important vegetation in the Fraser River estuary. This is a vital environment for juvenile salmon and helps protect the soil from erosion. As the goose population increases, trees no longer have a chance to regrow. "The main impacts of geese include the destruction of infrastructure and sensitive ecosystems such as coastlines and native vegetation. High concentrations of droppings cover beaches, walkways, and lawns, impacting the use of green spaces throughout the city," the VPB report stated.
According to authorities, current goose control methods, which primarily involve replacing sterilization eggs in goose nests, are ineffective due to high costs and the nests often being difficult to access. The city government proposes reducing the goose population through culling to stabilize the population over 5-10 years. Culling will require a permit from Wildlife Canada. The VPB report does not specify the exact number of geese to be killed each year, but suggests a range of 150-200 birds.
An Khang (According to Phys.org/Global News )
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