Dusky Canada Goose – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Overview

Species Common Name Dusky Canada Goose
Species Scientific Name Branta canadensis occidentalis
State Listing Status Sensitive

Ecoregions

Willamette Valley

The Willamette Valley ecoregion is bounded on the west by the Coast Range and on the east by the Cascade Range. This long mostly level alluvial plain has some scattered areas of low basalt, and contrasts with productive farmland and large urban areas. It has the fastest-growing human population in the state resulting in challenges due to land-use changes.

Special needs

Dusky Canada Geese require adequate food resources (high-quality, high-protein herbaceous plants) in sufficient spatial and temporal distribution to sustain migratory and wintering populations.

Limiting factors

Decline of Dusky Canada Geese is primarily due to poor reproduction in their breeding range in Alaska. Currently, wintering habitat in Oregon is being lost due to conversions from agricultural pastures and grass seed crops to other uses (other crops, urban development, etc.). Use of private lands limits management options.

Data gaps

Evaluate the effects of habitat loss on movements and use of private lands.

Conservation actions

Information on conservation strategies is available in the Pacific Flyway Management Plan for the Dusky Canada Goose (2015, see below).

Key reference or plan

Pacific Flyway Management Plan for the Dusky Canada Goose