USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

Emperor geese (Chen canagica) had the highest rate of nesting success because they were more reluctant than other species to leave their nests when the authors were in the area. For the 3 years, destruction of nests by natives amounted to 34% of the total number of unsuccessful emperor goose and brant (Branta bernicla) nests on the study area and 37% of the total nest losses attributed to predation; this probably will persist for many years. Increased human disturbance in 1972 corresponded to increased desertions and increased egg predation in 1972. Human-induced desertion amounted to 0 in 1971, 4.4% in 1972, 0.9% in 1973, and 1.9% of all eggs overall. About 57% of all emperor goose eggs lost on the study area were from nests classified as successful; investigator disturbance contributed to predation on eggs. Human disturbances frequently caused broods to break up and scatter, or frightened parents to run ahead of their goslings, and undoubtedly caused significant brood mortality. Banding operations can increase the predation of glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) on young waterfowl.