As soon as snow and ice around ponds and pools has melted at the mountain plateau, the nesting period starts. The nest is often located well hidden within scrubs. The female lays between 4 to 6 eggs which she broods for approximately four weeks. After hatching the goslings follow the parents to the nearest lake. They are immediately able to find their own food. This comes in handy since during a short arctic summer the goslings will develop from downy young to flying individuals.
During the breeding period the lesser white-fronted geese are vulnerable to disturbance. Human traffic in the breeding sites will scare the geese. Sports fishing and hiking has been a problem in some areas. To avoid disturbance the traffic has been redirected and cultivation of the lakes has been terminated. If you should discover breeding lessers in the mountains, please be advised to walk in a large circle around them.
