Sterna repressa

Abstract: In 2010, we estimated the breeding waterbird populations on the uninhabited islands of the northern Persian Gulf, some of the most important waterbird nesting sites in Southwest Asia. We also compared the 2010 census results with data from the 1970s. Over 120,000 breeding pairs of waterbirds of nine species were estimated on seven islands in 2010. The most abundant species were Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus (74,113 pairs) and Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis (30,799 pairs). The results indicated that 20% of the global population of Crab Plover Dromas ardeola breed in the northern part of the Persian Gulf. The breeding population of White Cheeked Terns Sterna repressa had decreased by about 98% since the 1970s, while the populations of all the other species had increased. Further monitoring of the breeding waterbirds is needed in order to suggest appropriate measures for the conservation of these important waterbird populations. Compared with the situation in the 1970s, some islands are no longer suitable as nesting sites for waterbirds because of human exploitation, occupation by the military and development for the oil and gas industries.

Abstract: This research was conducted in Banifaror Island (26o06'51"N 54o26'43"E), in Persian Gulf from August 2009 to August 2012. The aim of this study is to provide a complete picture of the Present population of the breeding water birds in Banifaror. Total count method was used to obtain the census of the nests and breeding population of water birds. Forty one species of water birds were identified in this island, of which six species were breeder. Breeding population of Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus was dominant. The maximum population of this species was 32340 pairs in 2009. Other breeder species were Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, Swift Tern Sterna bergii, Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, and a small colony of White cheeked Tern Sterna repressa. The island has been suggested for to be classified as sensitive habitat for breeding water birds. This is the first record of the status of the breeding population of water birds on Banifaror Island.

Abstract: This research was conducted in Ghabre Nakhoda Island (30°20′26″ N 48°55′53″ E) in Khore mosa Creek from May 2003 to December 2003 and May 2012 to December 2012. The area of the island is about 3 hectare. The aim of this study is to provide a complete picture of the Present population of the colonial breeding waterbirds in Ghabre Nakhoda island in Khore Mosa Creek. Total count method was used to obtain the census of the nests and breeding population. Thirty tow species of waterbirds were identified in the island, of which eight species were breeder. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis was dominant and indicates. The maximum breeder population of this species was 2500 pairs in 2003. Other breeder species were Crab Plover Dromas ardeola , Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis , Swift Tern Sterna bergii , Caspian Tern Sterna caspia , Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus , Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis , and a small colony of White cheeked Tern Sterna repressa . The island has been identified as an "Important Bird Area" by Birdlife international proposed for protection as a part of the Shadeghan wildlife refuge and suggested for to be classified as sensitive habitat for breeding waterbirds. The main plant communities of the island are Atriplex sp, Stipa sp, Suaeda sp. and Halostachys sp..

Abstract: There are 4 islands Khan, Tahmadon, Om-Al-Gorm and Nakhiloo in the Mond Protected Area in Boshehr province in the Persian Gulf. This research was conducted in these islands from March 2008 to September 2012. Thirty four species of birds were identified in these Islands. Nine species were breeders. Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus was dominant and indicates. The maximum population of this species was 29,461 pairs in 2006 in Nakhiloo. The Maximum breeding population of Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis was 11,783 pairs in 2012 in Nakhiloo, and Swift Tern Sterna bergii was estimated at 2,500 pairs in 2008. We estimated 92 pairs of Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis and 2,825 pairs of Crab Plover Dromas ardeola in 2005 in Om-Al-Gorm. The other breeders were Caspian Tern Sterna caspia , Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica , White-cheecked Tern Sterna repressa and Saunders’s Tern Sterna saunders . These four islands are the most important and sensitive habitat for breeding terns species Sterna sp, Crab Plover Dromas ardeola and Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis in the Persian Gulf. The islands have been identified as an "Important Bird Area" by Birdlife International proposed for protection as a part of the Mond Protected Area, now part of National Marine Park of Dayer, and suggested for to be classified as sensitive habitat for breeding seabirds.