Suwarrow seabird survey : an assessment of the numbers and age-stages of seabird chicks on the motus of Suwarrow atoll during July 2008

Abstract

Each Suwarrow motu was surveyed during July 2008 for seabird chick numbers and age-states using a simple sampling method used for a similar survey in August 2000. Totals for each species are presented in the Table below and detailed data for each motu can be found in the Results section. Overall, bird numbers appear to be similar or slightly lower than those recorded in 2000.It is not clear if the lower numbers reported represent any real shift from natural variation due to such factors as storm damage to breeding sites, however it is noted that when compared with earlier survey results (1972-1992) numbers of Sooty Tern, Red-taileded Tropicbird and Brown Booby have tended to trend downwards.