Egyptian goose

Photo Credit: ©Andreas Trepte

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Alopochen aegyptiacus  

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Origin and Worldwide Distribution:

• Native to Africa, the species was first introduced to Europe as an ornamental specimen for zoological collections and urban parks.
• It has since escaped into the wild and is now established in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden, Cyprus, Denmark and Poland.

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Potential or Known Impacts:

• The Egyptian goose adapts easily to a wide range of environments.
• It is an aggressive species that is known to hybridize with other goose and duck species and it out-competes native fauna for food and nesting sites.
• When present in large numbers, its impacts include overgrazing, eutrophication and spread of diseases.

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How did it/could it get here?

• It could be transported as an ornamental species, although a sales ban and eradication plan are in place.

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Is it found in Ireland or Northern Ireland?

• Only two records in Ireland and only two records in Northern Ireland.
• More information can be seen on NBDC and NBN Atlas NI.

Static Distribution Map as of December 2019 - Courtesy of CEDaR

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Methods for Prevention:

• A sales ban, the phasing out from zoos, collections and any other ownership, a rapid eradication of any newly emerging populations and the management of established populations should prevent the species from becoming a wider problem across the EU.
• Report all sightings.

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You can help by reporting any sightings:

• If it is in Northern Ireland @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
• If your sighting is in Ireland please report @ the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC).

Species Related Files: