Taiga bean goose

　The second most numerous goose to visit Japan after the Greater white-fronted goose. Both the subspecies Anser fabalis serrirostris and the larger subspecies Anser fabalis middendorffii　overwinter in Japan, with the Anser fabalis middendorffii said to constitute 80% of the total.

　Both subspecies can be seen around Lake Izunuma. The individual in the photograph appears to be the subspecies Anser fabalis serrirostris, as it has a thicker, shorter bill and a shorter neck.

　Whilst not considered endangered globally, concerns exist in Japan regarding the adverse impact of development on its wintering grounds. Following its listing as an endangered species, a key point of contention in a lawsuit concerning road construction centred on whether it could be recognised as a plaintiff under natural rights. The claim was ultimately dismissed on the grounds that “animals lack legal standing”, yet the ruling proved groundbreaking in partially acknowledging “natural rights”.