Barnacle geese make extraordinary migrations between Arctic breeding grounds and temperate wintering areas, facing welfare challenges from climate change affecting Arctic nesting success.
Barnacle goose breeding on Arctic cliffs requires goslings to make a terrifying leap to the ground below within days of hatching, as parents cannot carry food to the ledge. Chicks that land on rock rather than soft vegetation suffer significant injuries. Climate change is advancing the Arctic spring, creating phenological mismatches where geese arrive from migration after the peak grass growth period needed to fuel egg production. Warmer Arctic summers may benefit some populations but increase predation from polar bears and foxes at nesting sites. Wintering geese are highly dependent on conservation of saltmarsh and grassland habitats on protected sites.