Abstract
The Mediterranean Lesser Crested Tern (Thalasseus bengalensis emigratus) is an endangered seabird taxon listed under the SPA species protocol. The most important breeding population is located on three coastal islands in Libya, namely Elba, Jeliana, and Gara, where adult terns arrive in groups to breed, between June and July. The status of Lesser Crested Tern breeding colonies was assessed throughout the breeding season (June-August) using a multi-stage monitoring protocol. Initial surveys in June and July were conducted to determine colony establishment and breeding initiation, revealing the complete desertion and breeding failure at the Elba and Jeliana sites. High levels of human disturbance, including illegal hunting and coastal development can cause such failures. Subsequent activities in August, coinciding with the nestling phase, focused on assessing productivity at successful colonies and conducting ringing operations at Gara colony on crèching chicks (≥10 days old). A total of 168 nestlings, between 10 and 14 days old, were successfully ringed using coded colour rings (Darvic) and metal rings. In previous seasons 1,354 fledglings were ringed, and 80 were resighted (5.91%) either in breeding areas or during migration to West Africa for wintering. In this campaign two local NGO volunteers were trained on the ringing campaign process, to allow them to have a larger role in the monitoring and conservation of the site in the future. The successful ringing campaign at Gara Island highlights the importance of collaborative conservation efforts. The situation of the colonies on Elba and Jeliana needs further investigation in the coming seasons, to determine the reasons for desertion, and a call to the local authorities to take action to protect these sites. The collected data will contribute to ongoing research and inform future management strategies for the Lesser Crested Tern population in Libya. This work was financially supported by UNEP-MAPSPA/RAC through the French Voluntary contribution.