Living Planet: Connected Planet

Opportunities for ecological networks Enforcing hunting bans on geese at key sites when lesser white- fronted geese are present is currently considered the only way to effectively halt the ongoing decline of the species. This should be coupled with awareness-raising, identification training and involvement of hunters in conservation efforts at key sites. An International Working Group has been convened for this threatened species under the African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA) International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Western Palearctic population of the lesser white-fronted goose. Bringing together representatives from

all 22 key range states, the Working Group aims to coordinate and enhance conservation efforts along the flyways of the two Western Palearctic sub-populations, for example, by agreeing on which conservation activities should be prioritized, developing a common monitoring scheme, and sharing best practices as well as resources. Within this framework, the UNEP/AEWA Secretariat also encourages and assists range states in forming National Working Groups and drafting National Action Plans for the species. This will also hopefully contribute to ensuring a long-term commitment in individual range states to participate actively in the conservation of the lesser white-fronted goose.

Lesser white-fronted goose migratory routes in Eurasia

Norway

Sweden

Germany

Finland

Poland

Hungary

Russian Federation

Romania

Ukraine

Bulgaria

Greece

Turkey

Kazakhstan

China Breeding area Key areas for Lesser white-fronted goose Staging/wintering area Satellite-tracked migratory route Possible migratory corridor Swedish supplemented/reintroduced population

Azerbaijan

Syria

Turkmenistan

Iraq

Iran

Source: adopted from the AEWA International Single Species Action Plan for the Conservation of the Palearctic population of the Lesser White-fronted Goose, 2008. Original data from Birdlife Norway.

Figure 23: Migration of lesser white-fronted goose.

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