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Invasive mammalian predators have devastating effects on seabird nesting colonies. A census was conducted on breeding Wedge-tailed Shearwaters Ardenna pacifica in 2016 and 2021 on D'Arros Island, Seychelles, which has been rat-free since 2003. Results were compared with an earlier population estimate to assess population growth following the rat eradication. Compared to counts in 2009, we estimated a 10-fold increase in breeding population size, with 2768 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2424-3112) and 2406 (95% CI 2143-2667) breeding pairs in 2016 and 2021, respectively. While the estimated increase is partly attributable to differences in the timing of the conducted census between the two studies, we also observed an increase in the areal extent of the population, from 3.00 to 3.85 ha (0.0300-0.0385 km2), and an increase in nesting density. Cumulatively, this indicates a true population increase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lesser Noddy Anous tenuirostris occurs in large numbers in the northern Maldives during the northeast monsoon season (December to April). These birds do not breed in the Maldives, but their breeding site(s) are unknown. We attached GPS Argos satellite transmitters to seven Lesser Noddies roosting on Gallandhoo Island (Haa Alifu Atoll, northern Maldives) on 25 March 2022. Only one transmitter provided data, but it tracked the migration of one Lesser Noddy to the Seychelles, where the bird first roosted on the island of Poivre before moving to the large nesting colony on Cousine. The tracked bird departed the Maldives on 02 April and arrived in the Seychelles on 10 April, covering approximately 2 400 km in eight days. Our results highlight the potential benefit of enhanced cooperation and knowledge exchange between the Seychelles and Maldives for improving conservation of Lesser Noddies in the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging ranges of incubating Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus on Bird Island, Seychelles, during a transition from food plenty to scarcity, as revealed by GPS loggers. Marine Ornithology 46: 11-18. The foraging tracks of incubating Sooty Terns, nesting on Bird Island, Seychelles, were identified using global positioning system (GPS) loggers attached to the central pair of rectrices. By chance, our 2014 study covered a transition from food abundance to shortage. Incubation shifts during food abundance were mainly 1-2 d long but, at the height of food shortage, ranged from 4 d to 13 d, leading to temporary and permanent nest desertion by individuals left caring for the egg. The duration of foraging trips and the distance travelled also increased, from 151 km to 271 km for birds absent for 1-3 d, to 2 142-2 779 km by birds that were away from the colony for 4-10 d. This technique, coupled with spatial analyses that relate track paths and foraging locations to bathymetry, sea surface temperature, and chlorophyll levels, permitted more detailed investigations of the breeding birds' use of their oceanic habitats. It also provided data to support and define areas to be recommended for Marine Protected Area status in Seychelles and elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the study that investigated egg adoption by Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus, laying one egg and some found with two eggs in a nest. Findings discussed include probability of adoption dependent on the proximity of the new egg to the nest, unlikelihood of eggs placed further from nest being adopted and likelihood of its disappearance, probably due to predation, and second egg adoption appearing to result in prolonged incubation, compromising success of breeding attempt.

The article focuses on a census conducted of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding at D'Arros Island and nearby Saint Joseph Atoll in the Amirantes Islands of the Seychelles. In the study, a combination of direct counts and area-based estimates, used to calculate total number of breeding pairs. Results suggested that the number of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters breeding in Saint Joseph Atoll has remained fairly consistent over a seven-year period.

The article presents a study on the first attempted breeding and pre-breeding survival in Seychelles Sooty Terns Onychoprion fuscatus. The researchers used a capture-mark-recapture model to estimate adult and pre-breeder survival and the probability of recapture and age-specific probabilities of first-time attempted breeding. They also estimated annual adult survival as 0.913 and annual pre-breeder survival at 0.767. They found that the low return of chicks in 1997 suggests either high emigration or lower survival of birds.

Franklin's Gulls Leucophaeus pipixcan breed in north-central North America, migrating to waters off western South America to spend the boreal winter. On 7 May 2017, a Franklin's Gull was recorded on D'Arros Island, the Republic of Seychelles. This is the first record of this species in Seychelles and the second for the Indian Ocean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on observations made on the diversionary behavior of Bridled Terns Sterna Anaethetus during an expedition at Recif Island, Seychelles from June 26-28, 2002. Other seabird species being bred at Recif Island include the Wedge-tailed Puffinus pacificus and Audobon's Shearwaters P. lherminieri, Sooty S. fuscata, Common Anous stolidus and Lesser Noddies A. tenuirostris and White Terns Gygis alba. The observation which lasted for five minutes described the Bridled Sterns' behavior when it flew in front of one of four frigatebirds soaring over the hill.