Current status and distribution of Greater White-fronted Goose in Japan

抄録

The numbers of the Greater White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons frontalis were monitored during winters from 2003/2004 to 2006/2007 throughout Japan. The annual average number of geese in Japan increased from 91,000 to 115,000 during these years and the maximum number reached was 138,000 in 2006/2007. Most geese (84%) stayed in northern Miyagi, and residual flocks were observed in other areas during winter. In the largest wintering area for this species in northern Miyagi, the number of geese has increased from 15,000 in 1987/1988 to 111,000 in 2006/2007.