The Invasive Egyptian Goose Threatens Native Wildlife in France by Raiding Nests and Aggressing Swans and Ducks.
Having traveled a long distance from the Sub-Saharan region of Africa to Eastern France, the Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) has now become familiar with its new territory, even driving away native ducks and swans. This is one of the “symptoms” of the global biodiversity crisis, AFP reported on October 16.
Recognizable by the brown markings around its eyes, the Egyptian Goose is causing other birds to flee and creating problems for visitors with its droppings. “This is a territorial goose species. They have been here for at least 15 years and show no signs of leaving. Their numbers are increasing. When 50 to 100 birds appear, they can dirty the beach within 24 hours,” said Pascal Koensgen, deputy mayor of Lauterbourg.
A flock of Egyptian Geese in a pond in Ay-sur-Moselle, northeastern France, on September 12. (Photo: Jean-Christophe Verhaegen/AFP)
“They are an invasive species, occupying all the sandy areas and leaving droppings everywhere. This is a real nuisance for those who come to swim and camp,” shared Eric Beck, manager of a campsite near a lake in the suburbs of Lauterbourg.
According to the French Biodiversity Office (OFB), between 1970 and 2000, France had fewer than 50 Egyptian Geese across 16 provinces. However, since 2005, their numbers have skyrocketed. By January 2016, approximately 2,000 geese were recorded in 83 provinces, with the highest concentration in the northeastern provinces surrounding the Rhine and Moselle rivers, near the borders with Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany—countries where this species is also commonly found.
“Initially, these were ornamental birds released into artificial lakes and small ponds for aesthetic purposes,” said Jean-Francois Maillard, an expert on invasive alien species at OFB. Over time, they were sold as pets, escaped from zoos, or migrated from neighboring countries, proliferating and spreading.
The sale of Egyptian Geese was banned in 2017 when the European Union classified them as a species of concern due to their invasive nature. However, Maillard noted that this ban came too late, as the geese have already “established” themselves in France. “The geese raid the nests of other species like swans, drive them away, and act aggressively towards ducks, leading to the risk of native species being displaced,” he stated.
Local residents have tried building fences, nets, and using firearms to chase them away, but none of these methods have proven effective except for culling. Several provinces in France have permitted the hunting of Egyptian Geese. This year and last year in the Bas-Rhin province, hunters killed 527 individuals, a significant increase from the 189 recorded during 2016-2017 and 78 in 2011-2012.
“This provides some respite, occasionally allowing other species to complete their breeding cycles. But it will not resolve the issue entirely,” remarked Nicolas Braconnier, deputy director of the Bas-Rhin Hunters’ Federation.
