Trophic Level II - The Herbivores Egyptian Goose Page 9

  Alopchen aegyptiacus

Length: 70 cm (28")

Status: Common and increasing in numbers

Habitat: Egyptian geese are found along rivers, streams, ponds and lakes throughout the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.

Food: Egyptian geese eat grass, sedges, herbs and grain crops.

Behavior: Egyptian geese nest along the water courses of the Serengeti-Mara. When the goslings hatch, they head for the safety of the water where they closely follow their parents. As they get older, they form loose flocks made up of birds of the same age.

Adult geese mate for life and spend much of the day honking and hissing at each other. This strengthens the bonds between them.

Although Egyptian geese are often found near ponds, rivers and lakes, they are also frequently found far from water on the plains. There, they feed on the grass and insects.

Egyptian geese often spend the nights in trees.

Predators: Crocodiles, monitor lizards, birds of prey, snakes, jackals, servals, caracals and leopards all prey on these geese.

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Dave Taylor's African Safari - Book 3: Trophic Level II - The Herbivores (Standard Version)
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