Breeding Population of Birds on Banifaror Island in the Persian Gulf

Abstract

This research was conducted in Banifaror Island (26o06'51N 54o26'43E), in Persian Gulf from August 2009 to August 2012. The aim of this study is to provide a complete picture of the Present population of the breeding water birds in Banifaror. Total count method was used to obtain the census of the nests and breeding population of water birds. Forty one species of water birds were identified in this island, of which six species were breeder. Breeding population of Bridled Tern Sterna anaethetus was dominant. The maximum population of this species was 32340 pairs in 2009. Other breeder species were Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis, Swift Tern Sterna bergii, Caspian Tern Sterna caspia, Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis, and a small colony of White cheeked Tern Sterna repressa. The island has been suggested for to be classified as sensitive habitat for breeding water birds. This is the first record of the status of the breeding population of water birds on Banifaror Island.