First survey of Audouin’s Gull, Larus audouinii (Payraudeau, 1826), colonies at Kleidhes Islands, Cyprus

Abstract

Breeding numbers of Audouin's Gulls were assessed during spring 2007 at Kasteletta and Zinaritou Islands, Kleidhes Islands, Cyprus. The colony on Kasteletta was small, holding six nests, and was abandoned early most probably because of the presence of a much larger Yellow-legged Gull colony on the same island. The colony on Zinaritou had 43 nests and a high breeding success, with nearly one fledgling per pair and 37% of chicks surviving (as a percentage of eggs laid). Low levels of interspecific competition with Yellow-legged Gulls, habitat suitability, protection from human disturbance and nearby trawling fishing activity probably contributed to the success of this colony.

Key words:

• Audouin’s Gull
• Larus audouinii
• Yellow-legged Gull
• Larus michahellis
• breeding population
• Kleidhes Islands
• Cyprus