Breeding success of a subtropical Little Tern, Sternula albifrons sinensis, colony. (1st March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Searle, Jason B.; Prince, J. Blair; Stewart, David; Lloyd, Penn
• Is Part Of: Emu. Volume 116:Number 1(2016)
• Page Start: 81
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2016-03-01
• Subjects: annual productivity -- chick survival -- clutch size -- nest success -- predation; Birds -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Ornithology -- Australasia -- Periodicals; 598.0994
• DOI: 10.1071/MU15062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0158-4197

Abstract

Abstract: Monitoring of breeding success is important for the effective management of beach-nesting shorebirds, which are vulnerable to impacts of human recreational disturbance and predation by introduced or superabundant native predators. We examined the breeding success of a recently established nesting colony of Little Tern ( Sternula albifrons sinensis ) on a coastal sandspit in south-east Queensland that is exposed to increasing human recreational use but limited management. Nesting success averaged 36% (15–51%) over 3 years, with sand burial and tidal flooding responsible for most clutch mortality. Annual chick survival from hatching to fledging averaged 41% (26–67%), and annual productivity averaged 0.66 fledglings per pair (0.31-1.24). Annual productivity was lower than at intensively managed Little Tern nesting colonies in New South Wales and Victoria; however, with minimum annual productivity required to maintain a stable population estimated at ~0.50 fledglings per pair, the population is expected to be increasing.