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A global review of contaminants in True Geese
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Researchers conducted a global review of contaminants found in true geese (genera Anser and Branta), compiling data from 56 journal articles and other sources published between 2000 and 2024. The study found that geese face relatively low risk from most legacy pesticides and metals, with lead being a notable exception, and identified emerging contaminants including microplastics that warrant further monitoring.
True Geese (genera Anser and Branta) are an important food source and a valuable indicator species across their wide geographic ranges. We conducted a review of contaminants in True Geese that compiled research from 56 journal articles, five reports, and three theses published between 2000 and 2024. These studies suggested that geese are at relatively low risk of deleterious health consequences from current levels of exposure to most legacy pesticides and metal contaminants. The exception was lead from lead shot and industrial pollution, which was considered a contaminant of concern for several species, including Canada geese ( Branta canadensis), snow geese ( Anser caerulescens), and greylag geese ( Anser anser) in 11 countries. Most studies we reviewed focused on geese in the southern parts of their ranges. Arctic-breeding ranges were underrepresented, despite substantial harvest and consumption of geese in Arctic communities. Furthermore, while metals and legacy contaminants such as dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were well-quantified, few studies monitored contaminants of emerging concern (CECs), such as microplastics, plastic additives, or perfluorochemicals (PFCs). We found no studies on the cumulative effects of contaminants on goose health. To better understand the sources and fate of contaminants in True Geese, we recommend four directions for future research. (1) Quantify CECs in geese near suspected hotspots (e.g., wastewater treatment plants and airports). (2) Sample eggs for multi-year monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), breast feathers for nonlethal assessment of metals, and muscle and liver for evaluating human consumption risk. (3) Conduct multi-year monitoring of geese across their full annual cycle to characterize annual fluctuations in contaminant loads associated with migration, moulting, and egg-laying, and link these contaminants to geographic sources. (4) Establish participatory biomonitoring networks in Arctic communities to fill geographical gaps and inform human health discussions.
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Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.