Fake nests proving a success

SCIENTISTS have been buoyed by the sight of dozens of shy albatross chicks hatching on artificial nests on Albatross Island in Bass Strait.

A total of 120 mud brick and concrete nests were flown to the island as part of a trial to help the vulnerable albatross breed.

The project, run by the state and federal governments, World Wildlife Fund Australia, CSIRO and the Tasmanian Albatross Fund, involved installing the nests as the birds began selecting nesting sites.

The species — which only nests on three islands off the coast of Tasmania including Albatross Island, Pedra Branca and Mewstone — is listed as vulnerable nationally. An estimated 15,000 breeding pairs remain.

Monitoring on Albatross Island showed females were estimated to have laid one egg on about 90-95 per cent of the new nesting sites, which have been personalised with mud and vegetation. Those eggs have now hatched and the chicks are expected to fledge from April to May.

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment wildlife biologist Rachael Alderman said birds that had struggled to find and keep sufficient nesting material, resulting in a poor quality nest, were less likely to raise a chick.

Increased air temperatures due to climate change are reducing breeding success for the species. The rapid warming of the ocean may also be making it harder for parents to find prey.

“At this stage in the trial, the breeding success of pairs on artificial nests is 20 per cent higher than those on natural nests,” she said. “There are many more months ahead for all the chicks, and a lot can change, but so far it’s very promising.”

Dr Alderman said the chicks will have tiny satellite trackers attached to “provide scientists with crucial information about why fewer juveniles are surviving”.