GR253
Uses, Threats, Management
The main threat identified in this marine IBA is disturbance of breeding seabirds caused by human presence on the islets and inaccessible parts of the coastline of the area. Although shepherds and sheepdogs rarely land on breeding islets to remove goats, such an incident has caused the abandonment of the colony at least on one occasion in the past. Fishermen often find refuge in small bays in Antikeria, Makares, Donousa and Irakleia. The use of lights at night has been shown to cause light pollution and thus disorientation and disturbance of breeding shearwaters trying to locate their pair. There is evidence suggesting that Peregrine Falcons and Bonelli's Eagles have been responsible for the predation of Audouin’s Gull chicks. Predation of chicks
and eggs by Yellow-legged Gulls and introduced rats has also been recorded. Rat population eradication actions are expected to ameliorate conditions for the Audouin’s Gull. The area comprises an important sailing destination, although marine traffic and tourist infrastructures are still limited. According to local fishermen, overfishing and accidental trapping in fishing gear (nets and longlines) constitute threats for seabirds, mainly Yelkouan and Cory’s Shearwaters. Illegal fishing methods are still in use, such as dynamite fishing, which have detrimental impacts on the overall marine environment and thus on the availability of prey for seabirds.
Audouin’s Gull (Larus audouinii)
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