A combination of factors has produced the sustained growth of the Mid Continent Lesser Snow Goose Population which has tripled since 1968, an average 8% per year growth. Predominant among the factors are: 1) the birds expanded use of cereal grains and other agricultural plants, which is a by-product of the conversion of natural habitats to agriculturally dominated ones and agricultural practices such as no-till, 2) the creation and purposeful management of national state and private waterfowl refuges to provide sanctuary and increase populations, 3) a decline in hunter numbers and lower hunting mortality (harvest rate), 4) higher adult survival, and 5) climate improvement on breeding grounds
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revised - 12/18/02