Canada geese are a major problem in the Mackenzie Basin as they significantly impact native and exotic grasslands, and destroy the habitat of threatened native species like kakī/black stilt and crested grebe.
Large flocks of Canada geese damage pastures and pollute waterways like freshwater springs, wetlands, lakes and tarns with their droppings. They also impact farmers by eating large amounts of pasture and crops. It is estimated that four to five geese eat the same amount of grass as one sheep.
Introduced from North America, they live on high country waterways in summer before heading to breeding grounds in the headwater valleys of rivers flowing from the Southern Alps in spring.
Photo : Wikimedia Commons Joe Ravi
