Passport to Recovery:

Using citizen science to assess facial symmetry and mating success in the world's rarest geese - The Cape Barron Geese

01 / 05

The Cape Barren Goose is one of the world’s rarest and understudied species of geese, and is found on Kangaroo Island!

Cape Barren Geese were introduced to the island after being hunted almost to extinction on the mainland last century.

Many animals, including humans, prefer facial symmetry in their mates as it can indicate a good rearing environment during growth and development.

In this study, we aim to assess whether facial symmetry differs across the population of the Cape Barren Goose and if individuals with with more symmetrical facial features have more luck in love.

Passport to Recovery is a citizen science program aimed at getting visitors and locals involved in the post bushfire monitoring of Kangaroo Island.

The Passport to Recovery Love Birds project uses facial symmetry software to assess images submitted by citizen scientists for symmetry in Cape Barron Geese faces.

Below is a map of locations where Cape Barron Geese are commonly found on Kangaroo Island.

Love Birds locations

Some images submitted for facial symmetry analysis by our wonderful citizen scientists!

Keep checking back for more updates on Cape Barron Geese from our dedicated citizen scientists!