Impacts of trapping adult roseate terns on their reproductive success
Although Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) habituate to many research activities, the trapping and temporary removal of one of both members of a nesting pair may affect their annual and lifetime reproductive success. Protocols for trapping adult Roseate Terns that reduce the chances of nest desertion, neglect of chicks, and injury to adults were developed in the early 1980s, but both shortterm and longterm impacts of research activities on this federally endangered species have not been fully investigated. Therefore, for this study we evaluated the impacts of trapping adult terns on their annual reproductive success. Although retrospective analysis of 18 years (1978-1995) of data from the Falkner Island colony site (McKinney NWR, Guilford, Connecticut) did not reveal correlations between measures of trapping effort and annual reproductive success, recent results of more detailed research suggest that Roseate Terns may be susceptible to trapping impacts when also faced with extreme conditions such as low food availability and/or high predatory pressure. These results indicate the need to consider local conditions when planning trapping activities and projecting the potential annual and possible longterm impacts.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1996 |
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Title | Impacts of trapping adult roseate terns on their reproductive success |
Authors | James M. Zingo, R. Field, J. A. Spendelow |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Colonial Waterbird Society Bulletin |
Index ID | 5223384 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |