Egyptian geese at the VUB pond
The graceful Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca) was first spotted in Belgium in 1984. Today there are more than 2,500 breeding pairs across the country. You can find one of those pairs at the VUB pond.
Although the Egyptian geese are very welcome guests at VUB, these water birds are a threat to biodiversity because they mainly eat aquatic plants. Their excrement causes eutrophication of the water and soil in parks and gardens. This results in an excess of certain nutrients, which, in turn, causes some plant species to become dominant at the expense of others.
Invasive exotic species
They also compete with other native water birds, for example by taking over their nests. The Egyptian goose is known for its aggressive behaviour, especially during the breeding season, and is not afraid to drown the young of other Anatidae.
That is why Egyptian geese have been classified as invasive exotic species in the European Union. In other words, they pose an official threat to local water birds. It is permitted to actively control the Egyptian geese population. This is usually done by puncturing their eggs to prevent reproduction. The Cumberland turtles also lend a helping hand by eating their eggs and chicks.
Quacquak
The Egyptian geese have become true VUB icons and have gone digital on their very own Facebook page. With their memes, they share their uncensored opinion about life at VUB. And they love nothing more than to complain about the Cumberland turtles they have to share their pond with.
