Environ Exp Biol (2020) 18: 249–269

Occurrence of the Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus in Latvia: linking migration to conservation

Abstract

This report compiles data about the Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus in Latvia and links its occurrence to breeding, staging and wintering areas. An average of at least 30 000 birds migrated through Latvia in both autumn and spring in the first half of the 20^th century, before declining to about 125 to 175 birds nowadays. Almost all birds occurring in Latvia originated from the Scandinavian and North Fennoscandian populations. The main migration route has for two and a half centuries gone west of Riga, southwards in autumn and northwards in spring. Nowadays, about 15 birds from the Scandinavian population stage for about one month in spring, while North Fennoscandian birds only make occasional stop-overs. During the last decade, the species was found staging in a total of 14 staging areas but regularly only in the Important Bird Area Svēte lower reaches. Based on the current staging patterns, suggestions of conservation actions are given for this threatened species.