Birds Observation and Nest Count of Crab Plover <i>Dromas ardeola</i>, Western Reef Heron <i>Egretta gularis</i> and four Tern species on Ghaber Nakhoda Island (Persian Gulf) in 2003 and 2012

Abstract

This research was conducted in Ghabre Nakhoda Island (30°20′26″ N 48°55′53″ E) in Khore mosa Creek from May 2003 to December 2003 and May 2012 to December 2012. The area of the island is about 3 hectare. The aim of this study is to provide a complete picture of the Present population of the colonial breeding waterbirds in Ghabre Nakhoda island in Khore Mosa Creek. Total count method was used to obtain the census of the nests and breeding population. Thirty tow species of waterbirds were identified in the island, of which eight species were breeder. Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis was dominant and indicates. The maximum breeder population of this species was 2500 pairs in 2003. Other breeder species were Crab Plover Dromas ardeola , Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis , Swift Tern Sterna bergii , Caspian Tern Sterna caspia , Bridled Terns Sterna anaethetus , Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis , and a small colony of White cheeked Tern Sterna repressa . The island has been identified as an Important Bird Area by Birdlife international proposed for protection as a part of the Shadeghan wildlife refuge and suggested for to be classified as sensitive habitat for breeding waterbirds. The main plant communities of the island are Atriplex sp, Stipa sp, Suaeda sp. and Halostachys sp..