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US Fish & Wildlife Service - Journal Entry SELAWIK: Working together: A new survey for greater white-fronted geese Region 7, June 1, 2005 In response to continuing concerns about the mid-continent population of greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons frontalis), Selawik National Wildlife Refuge and Migratory Bird Management (MBM) biologists have collaborated on a new design for a breeding pair survey of this species. Previous efforts to monitor these geese in interior and northwest Alaska have failed to yield a reliable measure of population abundance and trend, leaving wildlife managers with no means to identify when special actions are needed to protect geese from this region. In May 2005, biologists from both the refuge and MBM tried out the design in a pilot survey of white-fronted goose breeding pairs. They plan to review the results soon to determine the effectiveness of this new approach. On an interesting side note, during the course of the survey at least three yellow-billed loons were observed on the refuge. Yellow-billed loons are a species of concern that are uncommon on the refuge. Contact Info: Maeve Taylor , (907) 786-3391, maeve_taylor@fws.gov