Status, distribution and conservation implications of the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) within the Eastern Cape region of South Africa

Abstract

Numbers of Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus vetula) were counted at breeding and resting sites along a section of coastline ~354 km long, between Plettenberg Bay (34°05'S, 23°22'E), Western Cape Province, and the mouth of the Great Fish River (33°29'S, 27°08'E), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, between February 2003 and June 2004. This area held ~10% of the southern African population. The breeding population of this region was estimated to have increased by 71% since 1982. Four breeding sites had shown an increase in numbers, five a decrease, one showed little change, three had been abandoned and five had not previously been recorded. Numbers breeding at mainland sites showed a marked increase but colonies on offshore islands had decreased. The proportion of adult birds in the population ranged from 79% to 86%, with a mean of 83%. Juvenile birds were most frequently recorded during autumn and winter but many appeared to have left the region by the following spring. Problems experienced with increasing populations of gulls in the northern hemisphere do not yet appear to be associated with the increase in numbers of Kelp Gulls in southern Africa. Sensible management of human-generated waste and refuse, limiting the amount that is available to Gulls, would be a major step in preventing the Kelp Gull from attaining pest status in southern Africa.