Signage reduces the impact of human disturbance on little tern nesting success in Portugal
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Published source details
Medeiros R., Ramos J.A., Paiva V.H., Almeida A., Pedro P. & Antunes S. (2007) Signage reduces the impact of human disturbance on little tern nesting success in Portugal. Biological Conservation, 135, 99-106.
Published source details Medeiros R., Ramos J.A., Paiva V.H., Almeida A., Pedro P. & Antunes S. (2007) Signage reduces the impact of human disturbance on little tern nesting success in Portugal. Biological Conservation, 135, 99-106.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Use signs and access restrictions to reduce disturbance at nest sites Action Link |
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Use signs and access restrictions to reduce disturbance at nest sites
A replicated, controlled study at three sandy beaches in Algarve, Portugal (Medeiros et al. 2007), found that little tern Sterna albifrons breeding success in 2003-5 was significantly higher on two beaches with information and warning signs and weekend wardening, compared to a beach without protective measures (50-91% nesting success for 339 nests on the two protected beaches vs. 0-35% success for 153 nests on the unprotected beach). The presence/absence of protective measures was the most important predictor of nesting success. The main causes of nest failure were predation, destruction by humans and dogs and abandonment.
