Mountain geese are one of the most remarkable and amazing species of geese. They have incredible abilities and characteristics. Most of the time these birds spend on land, not on water, so they run great, unlike their relatives. These unusual geese are listed in the Red Book and are protected by the Russian Federation.
Distribution
The very name of the species suggests that mountains are the favorite habitat of birds. The largest mountain goose population is found in Central Asia at an altitude of 5,000 m above sea level. Birds choose the banks of mountain rivers as their favorite place, where they build temporary nests. It should be noted that this species of birds is migratory. For the winter, birds go to India, so they have a second name - the Indian goose.
It should be noted that in recent years in Northern Europe there has been an increase in the number of the species, thanks to some individuals that have escaped from the zoo. Mountain geese are one of the most common birds in captivity. They adapt well to the environment.habitat and are able to interbreed with other representatives of the goose genus. The total population of the species is up to 60,000 individuals. Unfortunately, in Russia their number is only about 1500. Every year this figure decreases due to constant hunting and theft of eggs.
Appearance
Mountain goose, the photo of which can be seen in this article, immediately differs from its relatives in its graceful appearance. The general color of the bird is gray, diluted with black stripes. The beak and legs are light orange. A rather large adult.
The weight of a bird can reach 3.5 kilograms, and the body length is 75 cm. The wings of a feathered bird reach 50 cm. Unlike other species, male goose do not differ from females in size or color. The legs of the mountain goose are long and strong, thanks to which the bird walks and runs well. Mountain geese's voice is very low, it is quite easy to distinguish it from the cackle of other species.
Behavior
There is an opinion that mountain geese never land on water, but this is not entirely true. These birds are not attached to water and prefer to spend all their time on land, but in case of danger they can safely climb into the water and swim away from the coast for a fairly long distance. This species is distinguished from others by the unique ability to fly very high. This is necessary for life in rocky terrain. A case was recorded when the flight of a goose was 10170 m over the Himalayas. These birds prefer to winter in the swampy areas of India, it happened that the same individuals returned to their favorite places several times.consecutive years.
They are not particularly shy and very curious, so they often enter human territory. But noticing that they are being hunted, the birds instantly change tactics and become very cautious, preferring to get food at night and rest during the day. These amazing birds are quite social and act together, their relationship can be compared, perhaps with human ones. In case of injury of one individual, the whole flock tries in every possible way to help it and does not scatter. Before flying to the reservoir, the birds make several circles, looking closely at the environment. This explains why mountain geese don't land on water as soon as they spot it.
Reproduction
The nesting period for these birds is quite specific. In order to attract a female, the male plays “tag” with her, trying to catch up with the individual he likes in the air. It should be noted that geese nest in whole groups. Sometimes small and sometimes huge. The largest group was recorded in Tibet (Mountain Tibetan goose). Nests prefer to twist in highlands. In appearance, the nests resemble the usual "dump" of thin twigs. Some birds prefer to create nests on the ground, then they pull out a small depression in the moss. Usually one clutch of a mountain goose has up to 8 white eggs. The incubation period lasts from 33 to 35 days.
All this time, the male actively protects the female and the nesting site. After hatching goslings about themcared for by both parents. After the gosling has hatched, the geese try to take the offspring as quickly as possible to the safest place, namely to the water. It is not known how goslings leave their nests from a high mountain. A case of a chick falling from a height of twenty-five meters was recorded. Surprisingly, he did not crash, but simply lost consciousness for a while. Goslings fledge at the age of seven weeks, and the first plumage appears by the 9th week of life. Of the entire clutch in nature, 2-4 chicks survive.
Food
The main delicacy of mountain goose are aquatic plants. In addition, birds eat various insects, crustaceans and small fish. If the birds settle closer to human plantations, then the main food for them is grain and agricultural land, which causes enormous harm to their owners. Geese love a variety of foods, rarely when they prefer to consume the same food. Therefore, in captivity, such birds have to be additionally fed with a variety of products. Particular attention should be paid to the diet during the breeding season.
Mountain goose in the Red Book
Unfortunately, this magnificent view is on the verge of extinction. From year to year, the growing poaching and hunting of these birds is gaining catastrophic proportions. The reproductive potential of these birds is not so great, in addition to everything else, the density of agricultural activity in the goose nesting areas has been added.
Therefore, in the Russian Federation and India (wintering place) hunting for thisan endangered bird species. Most parks and reserves try to keep these birds from dying as much as possible. Also, some zoos are trying to improve the life of birds as much as possible.
Zoo
Thus, the Moscow Zoo makes every effort to preserve the mountain geese population. It is inhabited by a small group of birds that have flying abilities, but have never tried to leave their beloved territory.
In captivity mountain geese breed well. Most often, eggs are removed for artificial rearing in an incubator, and then the goslings are placed in a special aviary, where they are given proper care. Surprisingly, in nature, this species of bird lives for about ten years, and in captivity an individual can reach the age of thirty.
It is impossible not to note that the life of birds cannot do without the help and protection of man. At the moment, it was decided to expand the habitat of these incredible birds. As mentioned earlier, geese are actively exploring Northern Europe, so there is an assumption that birds can live in different territories. This may increase the likelihood of popularization of this bird species. Perhaps with the help of humans, these wild birds will find a new chance for survival.
