Abandonment of grazing Sample Clauses

Abandonment of grazing in staging/wintering areas Manych-Gudilo, southwest Russia, is a major staging area, and perhaps acts as a bottle-neck for the majority of the population in autumn and spring. A significant number of birds also winter at the site in mild weather. Red-breasted Geese have traditionally favoured semi-natural and agricultural grasslands for feeding but grazing by livestock in the area has largely been abandoned in recent years, primarily because it is not commercially viable. Consequently, the pasture has become too long and is unsuitable for the geese. The reduced feeding opportunity may be particularly serious during migration, and could have a significant effect on the birds’ fitness upon reaching the breeding grounds. The effect of reduced feeding opportunity may be exacerbated by geese having to seek alternative areas outside the protected areas, where they may be subject to higher disturbance. Importance: High