Type: report

Article abstract: Predation is a major driver of California least tern (CLTE) reproductive success and, therefore, species recovery. USDA APHIS is currently funded to control predators to benefit the CLTE at Mission Bay Park, but it remains a challenge to accurately determine specific details of predation events (which species, time of day, etc.), and therefore how to effectively implement control efforts. CLTE nest sites are monitored only several times a week, leaving specific information on predation lacking, or based only on indirect evidence. Predator control is most effective when coupled with continuous monitoring of CLTE nest sites, providing direct observations of predators and predation events to improve management efforts. In order to address this critical information gap in CLTE management, San Diego Audubon was funded under a TransNet Environmental Management Program Land Management Grant in 2013 to conduct a predator-monitoring program in Mission Bay.