The Brent Geese of France, with special reference to the Golfe du Morbihan

Abstract

The status of the Dark-bellied Brent Goose Branta b. bernicla wintering in France is outlined There are 20 to 25 sites in the main bays of the western English Channel and the Atlantic: only ten sites carry more than 100 geese; the main ones being Golfe du Morbihan, Ile d'Olron-Baie d'Yves, Baie de Bourgneuf, Bassin d'Arcachon. Observations from 1960-1961 to 1974-1975 in the Golfe du Morbihan show that Brent Geese are present from October to March, with a winter peak in January now exceeding 17,000. The numbers in the Golfe represent about 20% of the world population and more than 50% of those wintering in France. The Golfe is primarily a wintering area, and secondarily a migration stop. It has a vital role as a wintering area for family parties. The Brent Geese only use the eastern part of the Golfe, feeding over some 2,000 ha of Zostera beds uncovered at low tide and resting on open water nearby.