As the Little Terns start to arrive at Karagi Point, The Entrance North, to begin nesting, Central Coast Council has issued a reminder about how residents and visitors can help protect the endangered species during this critical time.
Little Terns migrate from South-east Asia to Australia each year and are protected under both state and federal threatened species legislation.
In recent years Council, in partnership with the community, has carried out a number of activities to help support the Little Terns nesting at Karagi Point.
These actions have resulted in record-breaking breeding success and significantly contributed to the long-term survival of the species.
Council Director Environment and Planning Alice Howe said she hoped the community would continue to work with Council to keep the Little Terns safe and ensure breeding success.
“We have been working hard to ensure the nesting and breeding area makes the Little Terns feel comfortable and safe to breed and so have put a number of measures in place to assist in protecting them,” she said.
“We know how exciting it is to see these rare birds nesting, but we ask visitors to the reserve to keep back from the fenced area as the Little Terns are highly sensitive to disturbance and can abandon their nest site if they feel unsafe.
“The best way to get a close look at the Little Terns is by visiting the Central Coast Visitors Centre at The Entrance and checking out our nesting display.
“The birds we have on display at the Visitors Centre were collected under licence last breeding season, and taxidermied so we could help the community to understand them just that little bit more.”
In consultation with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Biodiversity and Conservation Division, Council has installed robust temporary fencing and signage around the breeding area to protect the eggs and chicks – but there’s more that can be done.
Council needs the support of the community in keeping the area litter free, not feeding seagulls and other birds, avoiding unnecessary noise, not flying kites or drones over the area and reporting fox sightings to Council, as well as keeping cats in at night and dogs away from Karagi Point (dogs are prohibited in the area at all times).
Council Administrator Rik Hart said the region was lucky to have the endangered species visit from as far away as East Asia every Summer.
“It’s pleasing to see the Little Terns continue to use this particular site for nesting, which is a reflection of Council’s management efforts over the past few years,” he said.
“I want to thank the Council staff for their commitment to protecting these rare birds, as well as the community for being respectful of the nesting site.
“I hope we can keep working together so we continue to enjoy these special visitors and their growing families.”
Find out more about the Little Terns and how to help protect them by visiting centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/littleterns
The project is also supported in part by the NSW Government’s Saving our Species program.