Abstract

AMADOR, Edgar; MENDOZA-SALGADO, Renato  and  PALACIOS, Eduardo. Nesting site management for Sternula antillarum (Charadriiformes: Laridae) conservation in Baja California Sur, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2008, vol.79, n.1, pp.271-274. ISSN 2007-8706.

The Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) is a threatened seabird species that breeds in small colonies on coastal habitats. High tides constitute a problem for their reproduction in Baja California Sur, since they cause flooding of some colonies. To reduce the potential impact of high tides on the nests, the level of the ground was elevated by 20 cm, through an elevated platform that was built by using discarded tires filled and covered with sand. The occupation of this site by Least Terns was monitored during the breeding seasons of 1990 and from 2002 to 2005. High tides did not affect the nests established on the platform and density of nests on this platform was higher than on the natural adjacent mudflat area. This nesting habitat management method for the Least Tern is an appropriate alternative for those sites affected by high tides.

Keywords : Sternula antillarum; Least Tern; tidal flooding; management; reproduction.

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