Current status of Peruvian Terns Sternula lorata in Perú: threats, conservation and research priorities

Abstract

SummaryPeruvian Terns Sternula lorata breed in the sand desert plains of the coast of Perú and northern Chile. Because of their long-term population decline, Peruvian Tern is categorized as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List. The observations that formed the basis for that decision were made in the 1970s and 1990s. In this study, we compile information on distribution, numbers, habitat use and threats of Peruvian Terns that has become available between 2003 and 2008 from 14 localities on the Peruvian coast. Peruvian Tern sites are located between the mangroves of San Pedro de Vice in the north (5o31’S) and the wetlands of Ite in the south (17o56’S). From the 14 locations, five are reported for first time: Virrilá, Eten, Huanchaco, isla Mazorca and Ite. There were only four active breeding sites: Pacasmayo, Paraíso, Pampa Lechuzas and Tres Hermanas-Yanyarina; however, some localities were visited outside the breeding season and should be surveyed between October and February to search for nests. The presence of 283 individuals was confirmed at the 14 sites in an area of approximately 1,388 ha (which represents only 0.35% of the total suitable area for nesting along the Peruvian coast). Thus, the number of Peruvian Terns in Perú should increase with systematic surveys. Here for the first time we report the importance of wetlands for the Peruvian Terns (43% of the sightings occurred in this habitat). Wetlands can offer optimal conditions for feeding, but the cost of using them is becoming higher with a sharp increase of human expansion into coastal areas and urban development around wetlands. We identified the following threats affecting Peruvian Terns on their feeding and breeding grounds: 1) recreational activities; 2) off-road driving by fishermen and tourists; 3) wetland pollution and water use for irrigation; 4) conversion of desert plains to agricultural land; 5) management of wetland water levels; 6) presence of feral cats and dogs, and 7) oil exploration on the desert plains. These adverse factors can be eradicated by the protection of tern sites and public awareness and education. Conservation actions, monitoring and research priorities are suggested.

A Large Accumulation of Avian Eggs from the Late Cretaceous of Patagonia (Argentina) Reveals a Novel Nesting Strategy in Mesozoic Birds

“…Use of these simple scrapes is seen in several paleognaths [51] and many neognaths, including members of the Galloanserinae, Charadriiformes, Falconiformes, Caprimulgiformes, Otidae, and Pteroclidae [37]. Some charadriiforms, in particular terns (Sternidae), breed in colonies broadly comparable to the Comahue accumulation, often on a sandbar or a beach where their scrapes are situated on barren or sparsely vegetated areas near water [52].…”

Uso de hábitat y estado de conservación de las aves en el humedal El Paraíso, Lima, Perú

“…En setiembre 2009 se observó una pequeña colonia (8 individuos), entre los cuales se identificó a un juvenil, hacia la zona sur del humedal. Aunque este registro no es evidencia concreta de reproducción, estudios previos han identificado al humedal como un área de nidificación de la especie (Zavalaga et al 2009). …”

Las Aves De Los Humedales De Eten, Lambayeque, Perú

“…El estimado poblacional para la especie en Eten es de 30-40 individuos. Si bien, a la fecha no se ha reportado este sitio como lugar de anidamiento para la especie (Zavalaga et al, 2009), es posible que hayan colonias en las cercanías de Eten.…”

“…Futuras investigaciones en los humedales de Eten deberían apuntar a determinar las cifras de las poblaciones de aves, la reproducción y estacionalidad de éstas y definir las zonas de anidamiento, para poder establecer un adecuado manejo del área en cuanto a extracción de recursos y uso turístico. Asimismo, considerando que Sternula lorata ha sido recientemente reportada anidando en humedales costeros (Laguna El Paraíso) (Zavalaga et al, 2009), se debe investigar si esta especie anida en los humedales de Eten o en las cercanías, ya que pichones emplumados han sido observados. De confirmarse el anidamiento de esta especie en Eten, aumentaría la importancia de este lugar.…”