This study collects data about the distribution, abundance, nesting information, and status of select goose colonies in the NPR-A. Ground searches are undertaken to enumerate, map, and assess the fate and productivity of Snow Goose nests on the Ikpikpuk Delta.
Fixed wing studies and photo census. Brood surveys and mark-recapture of snow geese.
Since 1994 for Brant (Branta bernicla) and 1995 for Lesser Snow Geese (Chen caerulescens), the NSB-DWM has monitored the distribution, abundance, and status of some goose colonies on the NPR-A. Nest surveys provide information on the nesting effort and success. Brant colonies at 45 locations are surveyed annually along with two Lesser Snow Goose colonies. Brood-rearing surveys provide information on reproductive success, or number of offspring surviving from hatch until the time surveys are flown (approximately 3 weeks post-hatch). Aerial surveys also provide information on the distribution of the geese. Together these data can help us estimate the population size of the goose colonies. This is important to given that geese are an essential subsistence resource to the people of the North Slope. Additionally, the Lesser Snow geese that nest on the North Slope are the furthest western population of breeding geese in North America.
Publications:
Ritchie RJ, Burgess RM, Shook J, Obritschkewitsch T. 2008. Surveys for Nesting and Brood-Rearing Brant and Lesser Snow Geese, Barrow to Fish Creek Delta, and Lesser Snow Goose Banding near the Ikpikpuk River Delta, Alaska, 2007. ABR, Inc.-Environmental Research and Services.
Ritchie RJ, Burgess RM, Shook J, Obritschkewitsch T. 2009. Surveys for Nesting and Brood-Rearing Brant and Lesser Snow Geese, Barrow to Fish Creek Delta, and Lesser Snow Goose Banding near the Ikpikpuk River Delta, Alaska, 2008. ABR, Inc.-Environmental Research and Services.
Ritchie RJ, Burgess RM, Shook J, Obritschkewitsch T. 2010. Surveys for Nesting and Brood-Rearing Brant and Lesser Snow Geese, Barrow to Fish Creek Delta, 2009. ABR, Inc.-Environmental Research and Services.
Stickney, A., et al. 2010. Results of snow goose banding on the Sagavanirktok River Delta, Alaska, 2010. Prepared for BP Exploration Alaska, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska, by ABR, Inc.-Environmental Research and Services, Fairbanks, Alaska.
