HABITAT:

Dense tropical lowlands, jungle-lined rivers, streams and other wetlands in open grasslands with scattered trees, particularly the llanos

DISTRIBUTION:

South American tropics east of the Andes and south to northern Argentina

SIZE AND APPEARANCE:

Smallest and most arboreal of sheldgeese; male is larger and has noticeably longer neck than the female; characterized by exaggerated erect stance, with their thick, ruffled neck stretched vertically

DIET:

Typically graze on shore in savannas adjacent to rivers; will also feed on molluscs, worms, larvae and aquatic insects

MISC:

The only true forest goose; the constant loud, guttural honking of ganders in fierce combat can be deafening

PROJECT NOTES:

Sylvan Heights Waterfowl Center and the Akron Zoo have partnered together to form the Venezuela Waterfowl Foundation, whose goal is to preserve native waterfowl, including the Orinoco Goose. Nearing extinction in Peru, the vulnerable forest geese have vanished from parts of Columbia and have disappeared from navigable rivers elsewhere. A recent survey conducted by a field researcher of the Foundation indicated that tropical rainforest destruction, especially due to cattle ranching in the Venezuelan llanos, has accelerated the population decline.

The llanos of Venezuela appears to be their main stronghold and is the focus area for this project. The birds nest almost exclusively in the holes of large trees. The clearing of forests from the rivers edge to obtain pasture is forcing the birds to seek nesting sites far from the rivers and wetlands they need for survival. Since the geese have proven to utilize man-made boxes placed on poles, a decision was made to supply nest boxes for the birds in suitable breeding areas.

                 Photo by Dale True

The Foundation has plans to erect nest boxes near rivers and wetlands on the property of ranch owners willing to support the project. Mike Lubbock, the primary consultant on the project, along with Brent Lubbock and Gary Riggs, Akron Zoo's Veterinarian, visited Venezuela in July 2006 to discuss with Foundation staff the feasibility of placing nest boxes on some of the ranches located in the Orinoco’s habitat. A similar project, conducted in Venezuela by Ken Kriese of the University of California at Davis, using nest boxes designed by Mike Lubbock has proved to be successful.

MIKE'S COMMENTS:

We need to get this project moving soon as the Orinoco does not seem to be holding its own in the llanos, which is quickly being converted into pasture for cattle. Since Orinocos will only nest in the holes of large trees, the birds are forced to seek nesting sites as far as twenty miles from a water source. The nest boxes should alleviate some of this problem.

The situation with the Orinoco's managed popuation is also getting bleak. This species’ population is definitely one that needs to be carefully monitored because they are very close to being lost. There are only a few birds in U.S. zoos. Sylvan Heights and several private aviculturalists are attempting to increase their numbers, but we are all working with the same bloodlines. There are some in zoos in South America from which we might be able to import a couple of males to improve the genetic situation. The Orinoco needs a sustainable managed population to insure their survival.

NICK'S COMMENTS:

The Orinoco Goose is highly susceptible to stress in captivity and reports indicate the the birds are prone to heart attacks. We can only work inside their aviary for a short period of time to prevent stressing them out. (Nick Hill is Curator of Aviculture for Sylvan Heights.)