Seasonal movements and metapopulation structure of the Australian fairy tern in Western Australia

A study on the Australian fairy tern metapopulation in Western Australia reveals significant seasonal movements and metapopulation structure, with a widely distributed, partially migratory spring/summer-breeding population and a smaller, sedentary winter-breeding population along the Pilbara coast. The research, using mark–recapture techniques and community-based resightings, identified key breeding locations ranging from tropical Ningaloo Coast to temperate regions like Point Malcolm. It also proposed seven 'neighbourhoods' as critical conservation units based on spatial exchange patterns among birds. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining population size within these units for long-term species conservation.

Dunlop, J. N., & Greenwell, C. N. (2020). Seasonal movements and metapopulation structure of the Australian fairy tern in Western Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology, 27(1), 47–60. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc20030