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Résumé :
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Helicopter surveys were carried out in June 1994-95 to determine the numbers and distribution of Greater White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons frontalis and other waterfowl in the Rasmussen Lowlands of the Central Canadian Arctic. The results provide information needed for the management of Greater White-fronted Geese as well as for evaluating the biological importance of the Rasmussen Lowlands as a potential protected area. Estimated numbers of waterfowl in the 6,265km2 survey area were 42,041 Lesser Snow Geese Anser caerulescens caerulescens, 23,516 Greater White-fronted Geese, 13,690 King Eiders Somateria spectabilis, 6,412 Canada Geese Branta canadensis hutchinsii, 5,427 Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis and 3,822 Tundra Swans Cygnus columbianus. Smaller numbers of several other species of aquatic and terrestrial birds were observed and minimum population estimates are reported for those species as well. Numbers of Lesser Snow, Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese have increased substantially in the Rasmussen Lowlands since the mid-1970s, but King Eiders and Long-tailed Ducks have declined markedly. The results support previous findings that the Rasmussen Lowlands is a critical breeding and summer area for Greater White-fronted Geese and other arctic-nesting waterfowl, and further strengthen the recommendations that this site should be protected.
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