Zoöp Observations: Egyptian GeeseZoöp Observations: Egyptian Geese

Spotted for the first time in the large pond of The New Institute on July 5: a pair of Egyptian geese plus eleven goslings of only a few days old. It's well known that the Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) is an invasive exotic species that feels remarkably at home in many Western European cities. In the Netherlands the Egyptian goose was first observed in 1967; since 2010 the species is well on its way to expel the wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos) and other waterfowl from city canals and ponds. In August 2017 the Egyptian goose was placed on the list of alien species of EU concern. EU member states have a duty to detect, remove, or manage wild populations, in order to contain the spread of and destruction by this species as much as possible.

In June of this year, the Rotterdam city council held a debate on the Egyptian goose in response to a growing stream of complaints about goose droppings in recreational meadows near swimming ponds. Sidewalks and cycle paths along canals were also reported to be covered in goose droppings, which is particularly annoying for people on mobility scooters and dog walkers (!). The Rotterdam alderman for outdoor space promised that they would not capture and kill any Egyptian geese, but they would intensify "nest management". Less euphemistically put, this comes down to collecting and destroying goose eggs.

Just as suddenly and mysteriously as the Egyptian geese appeared in the pond of The New Institute (where had they had their nest?), they vanished and didn't return, to the disappointment of isitors and employees of The New Institute, who had had a great time watching the goslings. Of course the sudden disappearance led to speculation: had the municipality started to capture Egyptian geese after all? Or had the geese parents had enough of all the intrusive interest in their offspring?

After mulling it over, I think that the lack of a quiet spot at the edge of the pond for the geese to rest and safely spend the night prompted them to move elsewhere.