Habitat
Egyptian geese prefer almost any wetlands
in open areas. They do not inhabit densely wooded wetlands. In Ethiopia,
they live in habitat as high as 13,200 feet (4,023 m). |
Life
Span
Life span in the wild is not documented. One Egyptian goose at Woodland
Park Zoo lived 14 years. |
Diet
In the wild: Egyptian geese feed primarily on grasses,
seeds, leaves and plant stems. They occasionally eat small animals,
such as worms or locusts. These birds are primarily grazers
and are frequently seen in pairs or small groups on the African
savanna. At times, they feed by dabbling in shallow
water.
At the zoo: Grass,
romaine, game bird chow and crickets
|
Reproduction
Egyptian geese reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. Males perform
an elaborate and noisy courtship display to woo a prospective female.
They usually breed in the spring or at the end of the dry season. Pairs
nest alone in a variety of habitats, including dense vegetation on the
ground, tree holes, or vacated nests previously used by other birds. Their
nests are made out of a variety of plant matter that is softened by a
lining of down feathers. The nest is usually located not far from water.
The female incubates five to 12 yellowish-white eggs for approximately
28-30 days. Young have a duller appearance, and lack the distinctive
brown eye and chest patch. Young fledge in about 70 days.
Life Cycle
Egyptian geese remain in small flocks of family
units through the majority of the year, and only pair up during the breeding
season. They are mostly sedentary, but will move from their normal range to seek
water during periods of drought.
It's All in the Sound
It is difficult to identify male and
female Egyptian geese. Both sexes look alike, although females are often slightly
smaller. So, researchers identify males or females by sound. Though Egyptian
geese are not very vocal, during times of stress or aggressive behavior, it's
easy to distinguish males and females by their sound. Only males emit a raspy
hiss, while females produce a loud cackling sound like 'honk-haah-haah-haah.'
One of the best times to witness the respective sounds of Egyptian geese is during
their times of nesting. A mated pair is very protective of their territory and
nest. The pair aggressively vocally defends it against intruders, and if necessary,
will attack.
|
Fascinating
Facts
- Introduced into Britain in the 1700s, a
population of about 500 feral Egyptian geese still thrives
there!
- Egyptian geese perch easily in trees and
usually roost in them, often returning to the same spot each
night!
- Thought to be sacred by ancient Egyptians,
they domesticated these geese and illustrated them frequently
in their art!
|
Egyptian
geese can be viewed at the hippopotamus area in the zoo's award-winning
African Savanna. While visiting the African Savanna, keep a close
watch for the Old World comb duck. Other savanna birds can be easily
seen at the African Savanna aviary.
Egyptian geese
are not an endangered species, as they are the most widely distributed
member of their family in Africa. During the 1900s, their numbers
actually increased in South Africa. This was due to the increased
availability of water via the building of dams and water irrigation
projects. However, they are not immune to hunting, as farmers often
consider them pests when large flocks gather to graze on young, sprouting
plants.
Unlike the widely distributed Egyptian goose, many species in the
family Anatidae have not been so fortunate. As of 2004, there are
at least 15 species listed as endangered, and 11 species listed as
vulnerable.* The primary reasons for the reduction of wild animal
populations are human overpopulation and other activities that result
in the destruction and fragmentation of habitat. Loggers remove vast
forests for timber and other paper products, and industrial emissions pollute
water and air resources. Expanding human communities and their agricultural needs
are rapidly converting critical shoreline and riparian zone habitats. Humans
also kill animals for their body parts to use in traditional medicines.
Woodland Park Zoo is Helping - With Your Support!
For many animals, flexible and sustainable
conservation programs are essential. Partnerships with other zoos can support
healthy captive populations, while in-situ field work provides successful on-ground
solutions for helping the Egyptian goose's habitat.
Each
in-situ project supported by the zoo aims to provide a broad, holistic
approach to conservation, encompassing research, education, habitat
and species preservation. This includes comprehensive, cooperative
strategies to link the needs of animals with the people who share
their ecosystems.
How You Can Help!
The effort to save threatened and endangered
birds requires cooperation and support at the international, national,
regional and individual levels. You can help in this cause. Join and
become active in Woodland Park Zoo and other conservation organizations
of your choice. Recycle forest products and eliminate or reduce pesticide
use. Let your elected representatives know your views about conservation
of birds and their wild habitats. Please do not buy products made from
wild animal parts.
Contact Woodland Park Zoo at webkeeper@zoo.org to find out how you can support
conservation efforts at the zoo. Learn other ways you can help conserve wildlife
and the habitats they require for survival by visiting our How You Can Help page.
Sources and Suggested Reading
del Hoyo, Josep et al. 1992. Handbook of the Birds of the World,
Volume 1. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona, Spain. 696 p.
Madge, Steve and Hilary Burn. 1988. Waterfowl: An Identification Guide to
the Ducks, Geese and Swans of the World. Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston,
MA. 298 p.
Mackworth-Praed, C.W. and C.H.B. Grant. 1969. Birds of the Southern Third
of Africa, Volume 1. Longmans, Green and Co Ltd, London, England.
688 p.
Scott, Sir Peter, ed. 1974. The World Atlas of Birds. Crescent Books,
New York, NY. 272 p.
Other Resources
Poultry Page (Egyptian Geese fact sheet): http://www.feathersite.com//Poultry/NDG/BRKEgyptian.html
Woodland Park Zoo Animal Management Staff: Personal Correspondence
Woodland Park
Zoo - Teachers Packet Fact Sheet (Egyptian Goose)
*There are
several international and federal agencies that determine the endangered status
of species. WPZ designates a species as endangered if it is listed as endangered
on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List,
the US Fish & Wildlife Service's Endangered Species List, or on Appendix
I of CITES (Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of
Flora and Fauna). |
