Black Brant

Photo Credit: Don Lambert, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Overview

  • Species Common Name Black Brant
  • Species Scientific Name Branta bernicla nigricans
  • State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Special needs

Wintering Brant need eelgrass and sea lettuce beds for foraging. Estuaries with abundant eelgrass and little human disturbance are the primary habitat for Brant in Oregon.

Limiting factors

Wintering Brant are declining in Oregon. Loss and degradation of eelgrass beds have been linked to population reductions. Black Brant are also highly vulnerable to human disturbance and to oil spills, given their dependence on nearshore habitat.

Conservation actions

Maintain existing eelgrass beds by reducing human-caused degradation. Restore eelgrass beds to enhance habitat quality and quantity.

Key reference or plan

Pacific Flyway Management Plan for Pacific Brant