Emperor geese (Chen canagica) are large geese native to the coastal regions of the Bering Sea in Alaska and Russia. They are a popular gamebird and hold cultural significance for indigenous peoples in Alaska. In recent decades, some populations of emperor geese have declined sharply, leading to concerns that they may be endangered.
Quick overview
Emperor geese are not currently listed as endangered or threatened at the federal level in the United States or globally by the IUCN Red List. However, some specific populations have declined dramatically and are a conservation concern. The primary threats facing emperor geese are loss of breeding and staging habitat, and over-hunting. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to monitor and protect key habitats and regulate hunting pressure.
Population trends
There are three separate breeding populations of emperor geese in Alaska which have undergone differing population trends:
- Western Alaska coast: Estimated at 110,000-160,000 birds in 2021. Population increasing.
- Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta: Estimated at 72,000 birds in 2021. Population stable/increasing after sharp decline in 1980s.
- Aleutian Islands: Estimated at 24,500 birds in 2021. Population declined by over 90% since 1980s but has stabilized at low level.
The Aleutian population suffered a catastrophic decline from around 100,000 birds in the 1970s to only 6,400 birds in 2000. Conservation measures helped it recover slightly to around 25,000 birds by 2021. However, this population remains endangered and a fraction of its historical size.
Why did emperor goose populations decline?
The primary causes of the declines in emperor goose populations since the 1960s-80s have been:
- Habitat loss: Development, erosion, and damage from grazing geese has degraded their nesting habitat in the Alaska’s Aleutian Islands.
- Over-hunting: Hunting pressure exceeded sustainable levels, especially during their fall migration and wintering. For example, an estimated 15-30% of the dwindling Aleutian population was still being shot annually in the 1990s.
- Predation: With smaller population sizes, predation pressure from foxes, gulls, and ravens likely limits recovery.
- Climate change: Rising temperatures and other environmental changes may be reducing food availability and breeding success.
Are emperor geese still hunted?
Yes, emperor geese are still legally hunted in Alaska but the hunting is regulated in an attempt to make it sustainable. Here are some key notes about current emperor goose hunting regulations:
- There are annual hunting quotas which are set based on regular population surveys.
- The season length and bag limits vary between different regions.
- Some areas are designated ‘no hunting zones’ to protect depleted populations, such as the Aleutian Islands.
- Only Alaska residents are permitted to hunt emperor geese.
When emperor goose populations were at very low levels in the 1980s-90s, hunting was banned. But as populations partially rebounded, limited hunting was resumed in 2002 with protective regulations in place. Conservationists warn hunting could threaten the recovery of vulnerable populations if not properly managed.
Conservation status
Here is a summary of the conservation status of emperor geese:
| Organization | Status |
|---|---|
| IUCN Red List | Least Concern |
| US Fish & Wildlife Service | Not listed under Endangered Species Act |
| Alaska Department of Fish & Game | Special Concern species |
Emperor geese are listed as a “Species of Special Concern” by the Alaska Department of Fish & Game. This designation highlights that some populations are depleted and that the species faces ongoing threats. However, emperor geese are not listed as threatened or endangered at the federal level in the US or globally by the IUCN.
Outlook
The outlook for emperor geese depends greatly on location and population:
- The Western Alaska coast population appears to be thriving and increasing.
- The Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta population seems to have stabilized after its decline and could continue to slowly recover if conservation measures remain in place.
- The Aleutian Islands population remains endangered at a fraction of historical levels. Its remote breeding grounds still face threats from habitat loss and predation. Strict protection will be needed for this subpopulation to recover to a sustainable level.
Overall, emperor geese remain dependent on ongoing habitat protections and restrictive hunting regulations to stabilize populations. If current conservation measures can be maintained, their outlook can be cautiously described as stable for most populations, with uncertainty remaining for the smallest and most vulnerable Aleutian breeding segment.
Conclusion
In summary, emperor geese have declined significantly from historical levels, especially in the Aleutian Islands. They face ongoing threats to their Arctic and subarctic breeding grounds. However, the implementation of hunting regulations and habitat protections in recent decades has enabled some recovery. Emperor geese are not globally endangered or threatened species currently, though the small and isolated Aleutian population remains at high risk. Continued monitoring and conservation management will be essential to maintain stable emperor goose populations into the future.
