The size and composition of sheld-geese populations and their food consumption on different vegetation types in the Falkland Islands.
Abstract
Densities of upland geese and ruddy-headed geese were determined for a variety of 'natural' pastures in the Falkland Islands. Herbage consumption by geese on different vegetation types was estimated from population density and daily food intake. Consumption by geese on different vegetation types was estimated from population density and daily food intake. Consumption was greatest on greens and reseeds, and amounted to 17% of the herbage production on Poa-greens and a maximum of 6% on a Holcus lanatus reseed. The geese populations took only about 2% of the total annual herbage production of North Arm farm, whilst sheep and cattle ate about 20%. It is concluded that the geese populations do not present a serious economic threat to the sheep industry.