Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Arctic breeding and summer biology; wintering and migration routes of the European Whitefronted Goose (Anser albifrons) population in the flyway context  (European WFG Research on Kolguev Island)

Outline
The Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), The Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) and the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) all are breeding in high densities on the Arctic island Kolguev in the Barents Sea. All three species are migrating to Western Europe in winter. Using GPS satellite transmitters and coloured neckbands we are studying migration routes and threats of geese, with particular focus on White-fronted Geese from the wintering grounds to the high Arctic breeding grounds. In addition summer field camps in the breeding area on Kolguev will enable further insights in the breeding biology of a Arctic breeding geese at a selected sight with the highest breeding density anyway in the Eurasian and possibly entire Arctic region. The lemming free island offers unique opportunities to study the interaction of geese and the predators without the interference due to changes in the lemming cycle. On the breeding and moulting ground in the Arctic research focuses on: • Breeding biology, reproduction, habitat use • Predation pressure(which species, level of predation, survival rate of chicks and adults on the breeding grounds and in the flyway context) • Arctic vegetation and interactions of geese and other herbivores • Disturbance (hunting, oil /gas exploration on the breeding grounds) and habitat fragmentation. On migration we studying: • stepping stones to arctic breeding grounds • habitat use during migration stop-overs • influence of changes in agricultural areas on the flyway in the Baltic States and Russia

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project will significantly contribute to the understanding of trends in Arctic birds, their interaction and understanding the main factors affecting the population as a whole. The project will contribute to the CBMP and the International Goose Specialist Group. The IPY project enables the team to fill an important gap in the understanding the population dynamics of the species and their interaction with competing goose species as well as the principal predators on the lemming free island. The lemming free island of Kolguev offers unique opportunities to study the interaction of geese and the predators without the interference of lemming cycles. In close collaboration with other projects at sites with lemmings or small rodents these results can contribute significantly in the understanding of the role of predators, lemmings and other factors in Arctic ecosystems.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
This project will foster the Russian – German work relationship on Arctic research and on Arctic biodiversity in particular. It will also from part of the work of the International Goose Specialist Group of Wetlands International to which the results will be reported to and discussed with.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:
The Arctic breeding grounds of the geese are located on the island of Kolguev, Nenets Autonomous Republic, Russia, situated in the Barents Sea, 70 km off the mainland coast with a total of 5,000 sq km in size.

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 20.5.-20.8.2006      20.5.-20.8.2007      20.5.-20.8.2008
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Helicopter flights from Nayar-Mar, in 2007 shared partly with goose researchers from RUG Groningen (birdhealth.nl) to minimise costs. Satellite transmitters for geese All terrain vehicle for transport in 2007 and 2008 to cover larger areas

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
The project is planned to entirely rely on natural camps which will be dismantled after each season without leaving any permanent structures at the site.

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
National agency
Own support

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
As part of the ECORA GEF project the Kolguev component has been endorsed by the Russian ministry

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?


Although the project is a new autonomous proposal it is part of the ECORA GEF project which has been set up and endorsed by the Russian Ministry, UNEP Grid Arendal and CAFF, it is largely financed through different sources and considered an independent research project, contributing to the ECORA project.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project will be a self-managed, free-standing activity. The management structure is based on an overall project lead (Dr Helmut Kruckenberg), supported by a national lead Dr Alexander Kondratyev. The project cooperates with Alterra / Dutch research programme on Taimyr (Dr. Bart Ebbinge), most work in wintering areas is also done in cooperation with Alterra.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
A series of scientific publications are planned. In addition several news bulletins and reports in newspapers and magazines are planned and for 2006 already published. It is the aim to provide input from our research projects to other IPY projects and their outreach components.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Project data will be managed throught eh Russian and German counterparts equally with shared responsibility for flyway data (Germany) and data on breeding biology). All data will be published and made publicly available through the web and preferably through the CBMP web portal.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
The project is funded to 50% by donations from a German NGO, Vogelschutz -Kommitee e.V. (Hamburg) and the ECORA project fund (20%). Whilst funds for 2006 were 100% covered the funding for 2007 and 2008 is limited to 70% in 2007 and 40% in 2008.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Helmut Kruckenberg
Europ. WFG Research Programme
Am Steigbügel 3
D-27283 Verden
Germany

Tel: +49.4231-936343
Mobile: no
Fax: +49.4231-936344
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation