The Red-breasted Goose is a protected species according to the Bulgarian Nature Conservation Law. Because the species is included in the Red Data Book of endangered species it is subject to a number of special European measures for the protection of its habitat. But in spite of national and international efforts each year the Red-breasted Goose is subject to recreational hunting actions as well as intensive poaching, activities that more often end up in a real massacre. Each year between the 1st of November and the 31st of January such actions can be observed during the stay of the birds on their roost (the lakes) or on their feeding sites (cereal crops around the lakes). To guarantee the long-term survival of the species it is necessary to implement several concrete and effective actions to protect the natural sites regularly used by the geese. The Foundation Le Balkan-Bulgaria made it its business to develop and implement such actions.
Arrival of Red-breasted Geese on the Shabla Lake – Photo: L.Andreev
The conservation of the wintering sites of the Red-breasted Goose in Bulgaria does not only mean to protect their roosts (lakes), but also to protect their adjacent feeding grounds. Such a protection strategy not only would protect the Red-breasted Goose, but also would help to protect other rare and endangered species, which use the same habitats: Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus), Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus), Great Bustard (Otis tarda), Marbled Polecat (Vormela peregusna), Romanian Hamster (Mesocricetus newtoni) etc.
You can support Le Balkan and Red-breasted Goose conservation as an individual, public institution, company or other organization. Provide a donation to support the land acquisition, the travel and field expenses related to on the ground capture team, contribute to a satellite tag purchase or time, as well help the further development of Branta Birding Lodge & Conservation Centre, founded near Durankulak Lake, as well as to support research and arise public awareness.
Such a project is very expensive and it is necessary to keep contact with a high number of collaborators. That is the reason that Le Balkan started an international campaign to gain supporters, hoping to focus your attention on its activities and, thanks to your help, to proceed its efforts. Book a Tour or Make a Reservation with Branta Birding Lodge to Make Your Direct Contribution to the Conservation of the Red-breasted Goose.