Sterna albostriata

Taxonomy

Assessment Information

Geographic Range

Population

Habitat and Ecology

Threats

Conservation Actions

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Taxonomy [top]

Kingdom	Phylum	Class	Order	Family
ANIMALIA	CHORDATA	AVES	CHARADRIIFORMES	LARIDAE

Scientific Name:

Sterna albostriata

Species Authority:

(Gray, 1845)

Common Name/s:

English

–

Black-fronted Tern

Assessment Information [top]

Red List Category & Criteria:

Endangered A2bce+3bce+4bce ver 3.1

Year Published:

2010

Assessor/s:

BirdLife International

Reviewer/s:

Calvert, R., Butchart, S., Bird, J.

Contributor/s:

Dowding, J., Keedwell, R., Szabo, M., Hitchmough, R., Bell, B., Grant, A., Taylor, G.

Justification:
This tern has a small population which has shown recent very rapid population reductions at some wintering and breeding sites, which are predicted to continue in the future owing to ongoing threats. It is therefore considered Endangered.

History:

2008	–	Endangered
2007	–	Endangered
2004	–	Endangered
2000	–	Endangered
1996	–	Vulnerable
1994	–	Vulnerable

Geographic Range [top]

Range Description:	Sterna albostriata breeds in the South Island, New Zealand. It is found along the eastern riverbeds from Marlborough to Southland, and on the upper Motueka and Buller Rivers in southern Nelson³. Birds disperse to the coastline and estuaries in winter, mostly from Stewart Island to the southern North Island, feeding at sea within 10 km of the coast^3,6. The most recent estimate puts the total population at 7,000-10,000 individuals¹⁰. All populations of this species that have been studied have been in decline⁷. Numbers recorded in the Bay of Plenty during winters in the 1980's ranged between 25 and 45. Since 2000, counts at the same site have varied between 10 and 16 (M. Szabo in litt. 2006). Similarly, on the breeding grounds numbers on the Ashburton River declined from over 750 birds in 1981 to less than 200 by 1990 (Maloney 1999, O'Donnell 1992, Taylor 2000). A total of 55 individuals was recorded in the lower 18 km of the Ashley River in 1980 (Wildlife Service surveys) with just 26 and 28 in the same area in 2005-2006 (J. Dowding in litt. 2006). These and other observations indicate that the species may be in widespread decline^4,5,6,9.
Countries:	Native: New Zealand
Range Map:	Click here to open the map viewer and explore range.

Population [top]

Population:	In 2004 the New Zealand Department of Conservation estimated 1,000-5,000 mature individuals of this species (R. Hitchmough in litt. 2006). However, an updated estimate puts the total population at 7,000-10,000 individuals (R. Keedwell in litt. 2006).
Population Trend:	Decreasing

Population:

In 2004 the New Zealand Department of Conservation estimated 1,000-5,000 mature individuals of this species (R. Hitchmough in litt. 2006). However, an updated estimate puts the total population at 7,000-10,000 individuals (R. Keedwell in litt. 2006).

Population Trend:

Decreasing

Habitat and Ecology [top]

Habitat and Ecology:	It breeds on riverbeds, creating simple scrapes in the shingle. It usually lays two eggs. Young fledge at c.30 days old. It feeds on freshwater invertebrates, small fish, earthworms and other terrestrial invertebrates (on pastureland) and, when at sea, mainly crustaceans³.
Systems:	Terrestrial; Freshwater; Marine

Threats [top]

Major Threat(s):	Introduced mustelids Mustela spp., feral cats, brown rat Rattus norvegicus, hedgehogs, brush-tailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula, dogs, and Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen prey on this species^6,8. Major breeding failures have been recently reported at colonies as a result of predation^7,8. Cattle and sheep can disturb breeding colonies. Recreational activities, presently increasing rapidly, can cause breeding failure and disturbance at wintering sites. Further hydroelectric developments are a major threat; notably an approved project on the Wairau River where 12% of the population currently nest⁹. Invasion of introduced weed species and tree planting along riverbeds reduces available habitat⁶. Confinement of rivers to a single channel reduces the availability of nesting "islands"¹.

Major Threat(s):

Introduced mustelids Mustela spp., feral cats, brown rat Rattus norvegicus, hedgehogs, brush-tailed possum Trichosurus vulpecula, dogs, and Australian Magpie Gymnorhina tibicen prey on this species^6,8. Major breeding failures have been recently reported at colonies as a result of predation^7,8. Cattle and sheep can disturb breeding colonies. Recreational activities, presently increasing rapidly, can cause breeding failure and disturbance at wintering sites. Further hydroelectric developments are a major threat; notably an approved project on the Wairau River where 12% of the population currently nest⁹. Invasion of introduced weed species and tree planting along riverbeds reduces available habitat⁶. Confinement of rivers to a single channel reduces the availability of nesting "islands"¹.

Conservation Actions [top]

Conservation Actions:	Conservation Actions Underway Several studies have been completed covering aspects of the species's biology and ecology. Habitat restoration and fauna monitoring is carried out by Project River Recovery in a number of major riverbed habitats in the McKenzie basin, covering part of the range^2,6. Conservation Actions Proposed Census and map all breeding colonies. Census winter flocks. Monitor accessible colonies annually. Examine all proposals for hydro-dams or irrigation projects to identify impacts on the species. Establish nest protection if predation is identified as significantly affecting breeding success. Spray weeds on rivers if required⁶. Commence trial of establishing islands/rafts in lagoons and tarns¹.

Conservation Actions:

Conservation Actions Underway
Several studies have been completed covering aspects of the species's biology and ecology. Habitat restoration and fauna monitoring is carried out by Project River Recovery in a number of major riverbed habitats in the McKenzie basin, covering part of the range^2,6.

Conservation Actions Proposed
Census and map all breeding colonies. Census winter flocks. Monitor accessible colonies annually. Examine all proposals for hydro-dams or irrigation projects to identify impacts on the species. Establish nest protection if predation is identified as significantly affecting breeding success. Spray weeds on rivers if required⁶. Commence trial of establishing islands/rafts in lagoons and tarns¹.

Citation:	BirdLife International 2010. Sterna albostriata. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 24 May 2012.
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