Record increase in breeding Tropicbirds on Jarnein Island

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The increase of this priority species was witnessed during the 2007 breeding on Jarnein Island, one of Abu Dhabi's islands.

According to extensive nest search and mapping of tropicbird nests on the island carried out by EAD, a record number of 217 tropicbird nests were recorded on the island. Of the 217 nests, more than 71% (155 nests) were active, with chicks, eggs or adult birds present at the time of observation. The 155 active nests represent nearly 150% increase from previous estimates. Of the 217 nests, nearly 40% were with grown up chicks while nearly 28% were with adult birds, either incubating or tending to downy chicks.

This is the first such extensive nest searching and mapping exercise conducted on the island for tropicbirds as the previous estimates of nesting tropicbirds were not based on actual mapping. According to EAD, this record increase on Jarnein Island may be attributed to the excellent protection the birds and their breeding habitats are afforded. The Island is free of rats and cats, which are considered the two major threats to such crevice and ground nesting birds. Moreover, the Island offers an abundance of small size fish as food for the birds.

Two Red-billed Tropicbirds on Jarnein Island have so far been fitted with satellite transmitters. This is the first time any satellite tagging of tropicbirds has occurred anywhere in the world. One of the birds flew through the Strait of Hormuz and the other is currently near Porbandar on the west coast of India.

The studies were carried out by EAD's Terrestrial Environment Research Center under its Waterbirds Monitoring Programme. Through this programme, EAD regularly monitors breeding numbers to understand trends in their population.

More About Tropicbirds

• Tropicbirds can be found mostly at sea, except for short periods during the breeding season.

• The total UAE population of Tropicbirds is estimated to be around 70-90 pairs.

• Jarnein Island is home to about 50-60 pairs.

• They nest in crevices in rocky areas.

• In the UAE, they are known only to nest on Jarenin, Zirku and Arzanah Islands.