Black-fronted tern/tarapirohe

Black-fronted tern conservation

Rivers, lakes, deltas and ploughed fields are the feeding grounds of these terns. They breed mainly on braided rivers. Terns often desert their nests if people disturb them.  

Terns and gulls nest in colonies on open shingle. This gives parent birds a better chance of noticing approaching predators. Groups of birds are better able to scare them off.

Their eggs and chicks are also well camouflaged. But, unlike other species, young gulls and terns must remain near the nest, relying on parents to bring food until they can fly and hunt for themselves.

Common threats to braided river birds

More on Threats to braided rivers.

Risky river breeding

Breeding on a riverbed is a risky business. Many eggs and chicks do not survive. Riverbed birds have adapted to cope with floods and are able to renest if eggs or chicks are lost.

Birds with good nesting sites are more likely to raise chicks successfully. The best nest sites have:

• islands surrounded by a moat of water for protection from predators
• high points which are less flood prone
• little or no vegetation for all round visibility
• a good food supply close at hand
• little or no disturbance.

Predators

Swamp harriers/kāhu and black-backed gulls/karoro are natural predators of braided river birds. These avian predators have taken advantage of changes made by humans and their numbers have increased dramatically.

Braided river birds have good camouflage and use distraction to cope with avian predators. Wrybills, oystercatchers and dotterels often pretend to have a broken wing to lead predators away. Terns, gulls and oystercatchers may dive-bomb and call loudly.

However these defences against avian predators are little use against introduced predators such as cats, stoats, ferrets, rats and hedgehogs. These are the main threats.

Ensuring the survival of the birds' natural open habitat is important in combating predation.

Habitat loss and human disturbance

The fragile ecology of the braided river system is being destroyed by the invasion of weeds.

Human activity including land development and recreational activities disturb nesting birds. Birds may abandon their nests if disturbed.

You can help

Help braided rivers and the plants and animals that live in them.

On your property

• Trap predators on your property.
• Be a responsible cat owner.

In your community

• Find and volunteer with your local community group 
• Trap predators in your community
• Get kids or schools involved

See Predator Free 2050 Trust - get involved for information.

Visiting parks, beaches, rivers, and lakes

• Leave nesting birds alone.
• Use available access ways to get to the beach. 
• Avoid leaving old fishing lines in the water.
• Follow the water care code and local navigation bylaws.
• Do not drive on riverbeds, or keep to formed tracks if you have to.
• Check for pests if visiting pest-free islands.

With your dog

• Only take dogs to areas that allow them, and keep them under control.
• If you come across wildlife put your dog on a lead and lead it away. 
• Warn other dog owners at the location.
• Notify DOC if you see wildlife being harassed by people or dogs.
• Get your dog trained in avian awareness.
• Learn about the Lead the Way programme which encourages dog owners to become wildlife wise and know how to act to protect coastal wildlife.

Specific ways to keep wildlife safe while with your dog on beaches.