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A multifactorial explanation for variation in breeding performance of Brent Geese Branta bernicla
Author(s) -
EBBINGE BARWOLT S.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1989.tb02762.x
Subject(s) - branta , anatidae , goose , breed , waterfowl , arctic , delta , wader , predation , biology , ecology , arctic fox , fishery , geography , zoology , lagopus , habitat , aerospace engineering , engineering
The dramatic differences in annual breeding success of Dark‐bellied Brent Geese Branta b. bernicla are generally interpreted as being caused by variable conditions on the arctic breeding grounds. The recently revived discussion on this issue mentions, in particular, the cyclic variation in abundance of lemmings, resulting in cyclic variation of predation pressure on bird nests by arctic foxes, as the main factor determining whether Brent Geese are able to breed successfully or not. New data on the spring condition of Brent Geese in Western Europe and wind conditions during migration from the spring staging areas to the breeding grounds show that these factors also influence breeding output.