Geese of Central Siberia (number, current state)

Abstract

Abstract. The studies were carried out on the territory of Central Siberia in the period 1980- 2019. The research purpose is to assess the current state of geese in the region as an important biological resource. Data about geese number are fragmentary, and for some species and groups are absent. This problem is extremely weakly represented in English literature. Material includes previously published data and personal research of the authors. The observations were carried out at 91 points; additional of geese census in places of their stops - at 132 wetlands. The total duration of census on the flyways and in places where geese stopped in the daytime was more than 15 thous. hours, at night - 1422 hours. The total length of routes was more than 60 thous. km, of which land - 35.6 thous. km, with aviation use - 25.5 thous. km. 1035 collectible unites were collected and processed. The number of photo / videos files of geese were 13.1 thous. copies. As a result, the number of the northern geese populations was estimated at 1.72 million of individuals. “Southern” geese, including migratory geese, are small-numbered and make up no more than 1.5% of the total geese number in Central Siberia. In a certain sense, species and subspecies of geese, geographically related to the Altai-Sayan region, today represent the same relics of the Ice Age as reindeer, argali, and other animal species that live in the Sayans.