Egyptian red-breasted goose

An **Egyptian red-breasted goose** (*Branta sp*, its species is currently unknown) is a brightly marked species of goose in the genus *Branta* from northeastern Africa, including Egypt. This species was once extinct since around 4,000 BC, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and reintroduced to its former range. All the species of the genus Branta are distinguished by their dark sooty colour, relieved by white, and as a distinction from the grey geese of the genus *Anser*. Among the species from these two genera, the Egyptian red-breasted goose is the smallest at 53–56 cm (21–22 in) in length. This brightly marked species is unmistakable, but can be surprisingly difficult to find amongst brant geese. At long distances, the red of the breast tends to look dark. Calls of red-breasted goose – ki-kui or ki-yik, shrill and staccato, similar to the calls made by the Asian red-breasted goose (*Branta ruficollis*). The Egyptian red-breasted goose often nests close to nests of birds of prey, such as griffon vultures, peregrine falcons, and common buzzards, which helps to protect this small goose from mammalian predators such as the fenec fox. The closer the goose's nest to the eyrie (bird of prey nest), the safer it is from predation. Based on the size and how timid the geese are, they rely on the bird of prey for defense. It is extremely unusual for the bird of prey to attack, but is still possible. Additionally, the larger the colony the safer it is. This in turn positively influences the survival and reproductive success of the Egyptian red-breasted goose.

    Aside from nesting close to birds of prey, Egyptian red-breasted geese nest on islands on rivers which also protects them from land-based predators. However, the Egyptian red-breasted goose prefer to nest near birds of prey over the choice of a river island. In contrast to the birds of prey that offer the Egyptian red-breasted goose protection from predators, which choose to place their nests in the open cliff side, this goose will create a cryptic nest hidden much better than the birds of prey nests. A typical Egyptian red-breasted goose colony is around 4 pairs depending on nest location, food abundance, and bird of prey density. While incubating, the Egyptian red-breasted goose stays within a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) range of its nest. Male Egyptian red-breasted goose tend to guard the nest of their young from a distance while the females generally hide on the nest. The main predator for Egyptian red-breasted geese eggs and goslings is the Egyptian vulture (*Neophron percnopterus*), which have access to nests located on river islands. While wintering, the red-breasted goose feeds on grasses, leaves and seeds. Since hawk and buzzard populations fluctuate every few years, depending on lemming abundance, the only consistent protection from predators are river islands and the peregrine falcon. The Egyptian red-breasted goose is currently classified as **Near Threatened** by the IUCN due to some habitat loss and, historically, poaching, however, thanks to the conservationists, the Egyptian red-breasted goose is a protected species and is making a comeback. The Egyptian red-breasted geese are very common in zoos, safari parks, and sanctuaries due to their readiness in captivity and being able to breed easily.