Behavioural responses of Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae nesting in human dominated ecosystems during their breeding season

Abstract

Bird tourism is increasingly becoming popular, which results in varying degree of pressure on the avian fauna. Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae, a ground-nesting endemic gull of Australia, which breeds in colonies have their nesting sites often becoming tourist attractions. This study looks into the altered behaviour of breeding birds induced by the presence of tourists in the vicinity of their nesting sites. Nest density showed positive correlation with the distance from the boardwalk. Gulls nesting