Differences in foraging range between white-tailed tropicbirds breeding on inner and outer Seychelles islands

A new study reveals significant differences in foraging behavior between white-tailed tropicbirds breeding on Aride Island (inner Seychelles) and Aldabra Atoll (outer Seychelles), with birds from Aride traveling twice as far (231 km vs. 105 km). The research, the first to track these seabirds' movements, found that both populations forage beyond protected zones and show variation between incubation, chick-rearing stages, and sexes. Habitat modeling suggests a preference for deep waters, possibly influenced by human activities. This groundbreaking insight into white-tailed tropicbird ecology in the Western Indian Ocean provides critical data for conservation efforts.

Ensanyar-Volle, O., Appoo, J., Bunbury, N., Clucas, G., Khan, N., Rocamora, G., Sanchez, C., & Fayet, A. (2023). Differences in foraging range between white-tailed tropicbirds breeding on inner and outer Seychelles islands. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 724, 141–154. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps14454