Size of the Cape Barren Goose Population in Western Australia

Abstract

A total of 631 Cape Barren Geese Cereopsis novaehollandiae were counted during a survey in southwestern Australia in April 1993. The population was centred on the Archipelago of the Recherche, where 612 geese occurred on 79 of the 232 islands and rocks surveyed. Four geese were recorded on Red Island, west of the Recherche, seven birds were seen on the beach near Cape Arid and eight birds were on a small farm near Esperance. It was estimated that the Western Australian population of Cape Barren Geese consisted of no more than 650. Comparison with earlier records from the Recherche suggested the population has remained a similar size over the past 50 years, but numbers declined in 1991, probably associated with exceptionally hot summer weather. Currently, the population in Western Australia appears to be secure.