Tiny Whiskered Tern Migrates 6,000 Km but Faces Extinction Risk in Israel
The tiny Whiskered Tern, weighing only 45 grams, undertakes an impressive annual migration of over 6,000 kilometers between its breeding sites in Israel and wintering grounds in the Southern Hemisphere, including the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, and southern Africa. Despite its skilled flight and fishing abilities, this small waterbird faces significant survival challenges in Israel due to its ground-nesting habits and habitat threats.
Dr. Yosef Kiat from Tel Aviv University and the Steinhardt Museum of Natural History explains that the Whiskered Tern nests mainly along Israel's coastal plain, especially the Carmel coast, in small colonies where dozens of pairs nest closely together. The birds dig shallow ground nests and rely on rapid chick development to quickly gain flight ability. However, ground nesting exposes them to predation by invasive mammals such as foxes, jackals, and mongooses, while habitat destruction has concentrated the population into a single dense colony, increasing disease risk and competition.
The species is classified as endangered in Israel due to population decline and dependence on conservation efforts. Climate change may also threaten the birds by affecting food availability and increasing heat stress, particularly for chicks exposed to direct sunlight. Conservation initiatives led by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel, the Nature and Parks Authority, and academic researchers include shading shelters for chicks, fencing colonies to exclude predators, and monitoring breeding success with remote cameras. The saltworks facility in Atlit, where most Israeli Whiskered Terns breed, is a key partner in these efforts.
Recent research has identified the Israeli breeding population as a unique subspecies with distinct plumage and a different migratory route compared to European Whiskered Terns, highlighting the importance of protecting this distinct group. Despite extensive data collection, many questions remain about their migration behavior and reproductive success factors. Dr. Kiat notes that the birds can live up to 21 years and sometimes collect abandoned eggs, which may be a negative effect of colony overcrowding. Ongoing studies aim to better understand threats, including competition with larger tern species, and improve conservation strategies.
Field research involves tagging birds with tracking rings and using remote-controlled cameras, with volunteers playing a vital role in monitoring. Challenges include working in difficult coastal conditions and the need to enhance protection measures to ensure the species' survival in Israel.
