Home Range and Habitat Use of the Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides L. 1758) during Wintering in the Seocheon Tidal Flat, South Korea, Using GPS-Based Telemetry

Abstract

The Seocheon Tidal Flat is an important staging and wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. However, rapid environmental changes for tourism in this area can threaten the survival of this vulnerable population by hindering sufficient rest and wintering; therefore, establishing protection strategies based on Swan Goose behavioral characteristics is necessary. Here, we estimated Swan Goose core home ranges and habitat use based on GPS tracking data collected at the Seocheon Tidal Flat in South Korea from 2017–2018. The home range of Swan Geese was estimated to be an area from Yubu Island in the south to Janggu Bay in the north; however, the core home range and habitat use characteristics differed significantly between daytime and nighttime (Day: 59.9 km2, Night: 40.3 km2, on average, 100% MCP). During the day (08:00–18:00), Swan Geese mostly spent time resting or feeding on tidal flats, especially those around tidal channels or paddy fields near Janggu Bay, whereas they mostly rested on sand dunes near Yubu Island along with the mudflats at Janggu Bay at night. Our results provide practical information on the habitat use of wintering Swan Geese population over time and indicate that Yubu Island is an important resting place. Hence, these results can contribute to evaluating threats to Swan Geese and establishing management and protection strategies for the Seocheon Tidal Flat, a major wintering site for the Far East Russian population of Swan Geese.

Multi-Scale Habitat Selection by the Wintering Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus) in Manas National Wetland Park, Northwestern China

“…Furthermore, bird movement patterns interact intricately with landscape configuration, with avian inhabitants in fragmented habitats expanding their range to exploit multiple patches to meet their energy needs [8]. Thus, the assessment of avian habitat utilization necessitates a consideration of diverse land types [9]. Previous studies have underscored the influence of landscape elements composition and structure on bird abundance and distribution [10].…”

“…Moreover, diurnal and nocturnal disparities in birds' habitat utilization are evident, with daytime activities predominantly centered on foraging and movement, exhibiting variations in activity intensity and range compared to nighttime behaviors [8]. For instance, geese exhibit a preference for foraging or resting in rice fields and intertidal zones during the day, while opting for mudflats for roosting at night [9]. The daytime home range of wintering whooper swans in Sanmenxia surpasses that of the nighttime range, with daytime foraging activities concentrated around Canglong Lake, while nighttime sites are predominantly situated near the wooden walkway at Canglong Lake and the black swan Base at Qinglong Lake [13].…”

Waterbird abundance in aquaculture ponds: the significance of day and night and pond type

“…Shorebirds, for example, adjust their foraging strategies based on lighting conditions, using either vision or touch to locate food (Robert and McNeil 1989). Moreover, studies have shown that some waterbirds utilize different habitats during the day and night (Dorr et al 2004, Barbaree et al 2015, Joo and Lee 2022. Geese and ducks, for instance, often rest in low disturbance habitats during the day and move to nearby wetlands for foraging at night (Parejo et al 2019, McDuie et al 2021.…”