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Current Status:

Aleutian Canada goose nesting populations, which consist of more than 20 nesting pairs each, occur on only 4 islands. The restricted nesting range makes the impact of disease or other random events potentially severe for the overall population. Nesting groups in the Central Aleutians and Semidi Islands remain dangerously small. Introduced foxes, predators of the goose, remain on many of the former nesting islands.

Achievements:

Aleutian Canada geese have responded so well to management throughout their range that the species' status was reclassified in 1990 from endangered to threatened. Fox removal and the closure on hunting Aleutian Canada geese have increased the number of successful nesting islands from three to nine. In addition, the first instance of Aleutian Canada geese moving from one island to settle on another was documented in the Semidi Islands. Based on the 1991/1992 winter estimate, the population has increased to approximately 7,900 birds, exceeding the recovery plan population goal for delisting even though difficulties with safeguarding the species' wintering grounds in California and Oregon prevent delisting at this time (most Aleutian Canada goose winter habitat is on private lands where agriculture practices and urbanization continue to threaten the geese). Informal section 7 consultations have been completed or are ongoing for military operations on Adak, Amchitka, and Shemya Islands. Nesting and brood surveys, color marking, and surveys for suitable future release sites also have been conducted.

Current Recovery Needs:

Nesting surveys, habitat mapping, color marking, additional fox removal, and identification of future release sites are needed, as well as studies to determine the impact of introduced rats and native eagles on goose translocation.

Partnerships

Alaska Department of Fish and Game: The Department is maintaining hunting closures to protect migrating Aleutian Canada geese.

Recovery Plan Status:

Original plan approved 3/7/79; revised 9/30/91.