Population status and conservation of Crab Plovers Dromas ardeola on Aldabra, Indian Ocean
Info
Pages
36 – 40
Published
1 April 08
Authors
Pierre A. Pistorius, Frances E. Taylor
Correspondence
Pierre A. Pistorius
ppistorius@zoology.up.ac.za
Seychelles Islands Foundation, Mont Fleuri, PO Box 853, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.
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We present population counts of Crab Plovers wintering on the Aldabra atoll in the Indian Ocean during two consecutive wintering seasons (2006/2007 and 2007/2008). We estimate the Crab Plover population at 3,000–3,800 individuals, which is 4–6% of the global population, making Aldabra a wintering area of international importance according to criteria laid down by the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands. Aldabra providesan ideal location for continued monitoring of population numbers as well as recruitment in Crab Plovers because of the limited anthropogenic disturbance and existing research infrastructure.