Conservation of Sooty Terns on Wake Atoll Complex
Abstract
I undertook two projects aimed at improving conservation efforts for Sooty Terns (Onychoprion fuscata). First, I investigated patterns of Sooty Tern chick survival to identify when chicks are most vulnerable and assess the influence of daily maximum temperature, precipitation, rat predation, and vegetation density on survival. Chick survival was positively associated with age. Survival was negatively associated with daily maximum temperature and vegetation density, and positively associated with body condition. Thus Sooty Terns conservation and management plans could be improved by considering the potential impacts of climate change on chick survival and including habitat management strategies. Current seabird conservation efforts have employed rat eradication programs during the past two decades. However, the danger of non-target poisoning to seabirds has rarely been examined. Second, I assessed the risk of rodenticide bait to nesting Sooty Terns. I found no evidence of pellet ingestion based on fecal samples, postmortem inspections, and live chick observations. However, handling and consumption rates from camera-based data suggest the potential for considerable impacts of rat poison on nesting Sooty Terns. Thus care should be taken when evaluating the risks posed to non-target species when seabirds are present. I also recommend that future studies begin with an evaluation of environmentally-based fluorescence prior to formal biomarker studies as false positive results may be contributing to current eradication failure rates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA557016
Entities
People
- Lisa A. Sztukowski