Case Study: Towra Point- Little Terns

The Department of Environment, Climate Change (DECC) N.S.W produced a booklet in 2008 on threats to the Little Terns and conservation management strategies currently undertaken in conjunction with the National Parks And Wildlife Service. A major challenge for this species is to reach breeding age. Until recently only a small number of birds were reaching fledging, with fewer and fewer Little Terns reaching breeding age. The most serious cause of poor breeding success is isturbance by humans, their vehicles and their dogs. The use of 4WD and other beach vehicles can have a significant impact upon breeding success. Little Terns will abandon their nests if disturbed, giving natural predators such as gulls and crows the opportunity to move in and eat the helpless chicks and eggs. Without disturbance, Little Terns can defend themselves against these natural predators, using their superior flying skills and mobility in the air to mob the intruders and drive them away from the breeding colony. Little Terns have no defence at all other than camouflage against introduced predators such as foxes and dogs. Foxes invade nesting colonies of Little Terns at night and can decimate the number of eggs and chicks in a very short space of time.

Migratory species like Little Terns are susceptible to extinction. Their habitat is fragile especially as it is left unprotected when they travel. In Australia this species is protected by International agreements and as well as Commonwealth and New South Wales laws. International agreements include the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA). As a result, the Little Tern is protected as a migratory species under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Under NSW law, the Little Tern is listed as endangered. There is a substantial fine for disturbing Little Tern habitats in NSW. 

Indigenous Communities along the coast assist in patrolling areas, reminding the people of Cultural connections between humans and other species, and assist in Little Tern research and management providing advice and information to visitors. At Towra point the work of Dean Kelly and the Towra Team provide invaluable service to protecting Little Tern nesting sites. The team, consisting of aboriginal youth, assist in the protection of shorebird habitat, locating nests, eggs and chicks, and educate boating and fishing communities about the importance of safe breeding areas. In summer the team patrols the beach areas of Towra where Little Terns nest.

Sources

 

Higgins, P.J.,& S.J.J.F. Davies (Eds) 1996. ‘Handbook of Australian, New Zealand & Antarctic Birds’, Volume 3: Snipe to Pigeons, Oxford University Press, Melbourne

Pizzey, G. and Knight, F. (1997) ‘Field Guide to the Birds of Australia’, Angus and Robertson, Sydney

Ross, G. and Ryall, S. (2008) Management of the Little Tern, Sterna albifrons, at Towra Spit Island, Botany Bay National Park

‘Wild About Terns: Looking after our Shorebirds’, Written and edited by Geoffrey Ross and Sharon Ryall, Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, NPWS Community Programs Sydney Basin, November 2008