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Seabird Conservation on an Island Refuge
Año Nuevo Island
Año Nuevo Island off central California, 37º 06.30' N, 122º 20.09' W
Project Description
One of only a handful of islands off the California coast, Año Nuevo Island is critical breeding habitat for seven seabird and four marine mammal species.A team of ecologists, habitat restoration experts, artists, designers, and government agencies are working together to restore degraded habitat for nesting seabirds. In addition, Oikonos and partners are continuing the impressive 17 year program to monitor the health of breeding seabirds on the Reserve and their oceanic environment.
The purpose of the restoration is to design a habitat ridge to protect seabird habitat and to provide human-made modules for nesting. Once the habitat has been successfully protected, a native plant community will be restored to reduce erosion and increase biodiversity on this unique island.
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Video
showing restoration in action
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Thank you Gallery for the many volunteers |
About Rhinoceros Auklets
The
seabird most affected by habitat degradation on the island is a burrow-nesting
seabird, the Rhinoceros Auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata). Rhinoceros
Auklets are listed as a California Bird Species of Special Concern
due to their small population, high concentration in a restricted range,
vulnerable habitat, and ongoing mortality from oil contamination. They are
also listed as a species of high priority management need by the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The last population estimate of Rhinoceros Auklets in California was roughly 1,700 breeding individuals concentrated at only three main colonies in the state. The importance of this colony to our understanding and conservation of this species lies in the fact that this it is one of very few colonies in the eastern Pacific where population dynamics can be quantified. Additionally, being at the southern edge of their range, responses to climate change and other pressures are more measurable.
Photo: Frank Balthis
Read the article Squack of the Auklet in Bay Nature Magazine
Key Partners
State
of California Parks and Recreation, Año Nuevo State Reserve
PRBO, Conservation Science
Go Native Inc.
Rebar
University
of California, Natural Reserve System
Project Leader Contacts
Michelle Hester and Julie Thayer, PhD
Other Funding Support
Luckenbach and Command Trustee Councils
California State Coastal Conservancy
Bella Vista Foundation
Project Needs - Interested in helping?
In 2009 and 2010, the project needs financial assistance, donated field supplies, and volunteers. Your donations will go directly to habitat restoration, nest modules, or in any way you choose..Contact Michelle
if you are interested in helping and would like more information: (415)
868-1399
Habitat! Shawn Dardenelle from Go Native edges along Rhinoceros Auklet habitat just planted with native salt grass.
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© 2009 Oikonos
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