In 2004, the American Ornithologists' Union recognized Cackling Goose as separate from Canada Goose. Cackling Geese nest above the tree line in the Arctic, migrate mostly through the Prairie provinces, and winter mainly in areas of the Central and Mississippi Flyways. Lincoln estimates based on harvest analysis suggest a population of approximately 1.6 million individuals in Canada, and another 200,000 that breed in Alaska and migrate to or through Canada, collectively accounting for 99% of the global population, which represents a very high level of jurisdictional responsibility for Canada. Current abundance represents a large increase relative to the 1970s, and confidence is high because coverage and precision of the Lincoln estimates are both high. The national population of Cackling Goose is within its goal range.