Cape Barren Goose

## Description

The Cape Barren goose (Cereopsis novaehollandiae ) is a large goose resident in southern Australia.

## Appearance

Cape Barren geese are large birds found in Australia. They are one of the rarest of the world's geese. They are bulky birds and their almost uniformly grey plumage, bearing rounded black spots, is unique. The tail and flight feathers are blackish and the legs are pink with black feet. The short, decurved black bill and green cere gives it a very peculiar expression. Males of this species are somewhat larger than females.

## Distribution

Cape Barren geese are distributed in offshore islands near South Australia and Tasmania. After the nesting when goslings have fledged, some populations usually leave the islands and migrate to the adjacent mainland, while other birds remain there throughout the year. Cape Barren geese are usually found in grassy areas, tussock grass, or bushes. They can also be seen on beaches, coastal pastures, in brackish lagoons, and along the shores of freshwater lakes.

## Behavior

Cape Barren geese are diurnal birds and spend most of their days grazing. They can drink salty and brackish water, due to which they are able to live on separated offshore islands throughout the year. Cape Barren geese don’t tend to swim and will enter the water only in order to protect their chicks. They are gregarious outside the breeding season, when they wander more widely, forming small flocks. At the breeding season, they congregate into loosely organized colonies, where nests are at a distance from each other. Pairs are very territorial and fiercely defend their nesting site against any intruders. When threatened, the goose starts lifting its folded wings again and again while stretching out and pumping its neck and speeds up the movements as the level of aggression increases. Cape Barren geese attack, either rushing forward and keeping their head low and stretched out or running upright with spread wings. Usually, during the mating season, mated pairs imitate these movements, performing them as a "triumph ceremony".

## Diet

Cape Barren geese are herbivorous, eating only plant matter. The usual diet of these birds includes tussock grass Poa poifornis, which is a common plant on the islands of their habitat. In addition, these birds consume a wide variety of grass species, leaves, seeds, and stems.

## Reproduction

Cape Barren geese are monogamous and form long-lasting territorial pairs. They breed during the winter months, from May to June. Usually, the male builds the nest with vegetation on the ground after which the female lays 3-6 eggs, that are creamy-white in color. Then the female incubates the eggs for 34-37 days. Goslings hatch precocial (well-developed) and both parents care for their young and protect them. Around 70-76 days after hatching, the goslings fledge. They then congregate into small groups, reaching nearby islands or even the continent.

## Population

### Population threats

Although nowadays the species is not endangered, in the 20th century it has been heavily hunted, which nearly led to its complete extinction. Currently, the population of the Cape Barren goose has highly increased and it's protected by a number of wildlife agencies. However, threats are still present: a part of their breeding grounds can turn into agricultural lands, thus reducing the habitat of this species. It is necessary for these islands to have the status of nature reserves with limited grazing allowed, in order to avoid dense scrubland.

### Population number

The global population of these birds is considered to be stable and not endangered. The total number of Cape Barren goose population is about 16.000-18.000 birds, approximately 11.000-12.000 of which are mature individuals. In the IUCN Red List, the species is classified as Least Concern (LC).

### Ecological niche

Cape Barren geese play an important role in the ecosystem of their habitat. They feed upon various plant species and thus act as seed dispersers.

## Fun Facts for Kids

Once the Cape Barren goose was considered to be an immature phase of the Black swan.

The call of the Cape Barren goose is quite similar to the grunt of a pig.

Within 24 hours after hatching, parents introduce the newly hatched goslings to open water.

Once a year, Cape Barren geese undergo molting, shedding flight and tail feathers to make way for new growth. New feathers grow back in about six weeks. During this period, the birds keep close to the water in order to find protection from predators.

During the nesting period the male Cape Barren goose looks after the nest from a distance to make sure that predators haven't found its location. On the other hand, leaving the nest, the female covers the eggs with sticks in order to protect them and make them feel comfortable.