Data on hunting use of waterfowl resources in Yakutia

Scientific information on waterfowl harvesting in Yakutia is mostly outdated. The lack of reliable bag data prevents the establishment of sustainable use of waterfowl resources under the conditions of massive shooting and a modified legislation base. This research aimed to collect and analyze contemporary information on the hunting take of waterfowl (Anatidae, Coot, loons, and grebes) in Yakutia. We used data from the State Hunting Registry (2017–2022) to estimate the total harvest. Species-specific shares in hunting bags were identified using digital photographs of shot birds collected from the Internet in 2015, 2017, and 2018 (around 1000 photos). The distribution and results of traditional spring hunting of scoters were studied through a survey of hunters conducted in 2015. On average, 18,400 geese and 200,000 ducks were shot during the summer-autumn season, whereas 26,600 geese and 160,500 ducks were shot during the spring season. Overall, 23 waterfowl species were identified, namely three species of geese, 17 species of ducks, Coot, Arctic Loon, and Red-necked Grebe. The autumn bag included 22 species, of which the bean goose, mallard, Eurasian wigeon, and common teal were the most abundant. Spring bags consisted of 14 species with prevailing bean geese, common teals, northern pintails, and mallards. Based on “least concern” international and national conservation status we suggest to exclude the Chinese Spot-billed Duck, Gadwall, Common Scoter and Coot from the Red Data Book of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) and resume their hunting use.