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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 106(2)

Status, distribution and conservation implications of the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) within the Eastern Cape region of South Africa

Philip A. Whittington A D , A. Paul Martin B and Norbert T. W. Klages C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Zoology, PO Box 77000, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.

B 30, Himeville Drive, Bluewater Bay, 6210, South Africa.

C Institute for Environmental and Coastal Management, PO Box 77000, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa.

D Corresponding author. Email: Philip.Whittington@nmmu.ac.za

Emu 106(2) 127-139 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU05049
Submitted: 15 September 2005  Accepted: 30 March 2006   Published: 19 May 2006

Abstract

Numbers of Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus vetula) were counted at breeding and resting sites along a section of coastline ~354 km long, between Plettenberg Bay (34°05′S, 23°22′E), Western Cape Province, and the mouth of the Great Fish River (33°29′S, 27°08′E), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, between February 2003 and June 2004. This area held ~10% of the southern African population. The breeding population of this region was estimated to have increased by 71% since 1982. Four breeding sites had shown an increase in numbers, five a decrease, one showed little change, three had been abandoned and five had not previously been recorded. Numbers breeding at mainland sites showed a marked increase but colonies on offshore islands had decreased. The proportion of adult birds in the population ranged from 79% to 86%, with a mean of 83%. Juvenile birds were most frequently recorded during autumn and winter but many appeared to have left the region by the following spring. Problems experienced with increasing populations of gulls in the northern hemisphere do not yet appear to be associated with the increase in numbers of Kelp Gulls in southern Africa. Sensible management of human-generated waste and refuse, limiting the amount that is available to Gulls, would be a major step in preventing the Kelp Gull from attaining pest status in southern Africa.


Acknowledgments

Support for this research was received from the University of Port Elizabeth and the National Research Foundation. A. J. Tree, Y. and V. Craig, J. and D. Tudhope, S. and B. Burland, L. Jones and C. and P. Humphrey are thanked for their hospitality, for sharing their local knowledge and for assistance with transport. The Coega Development Corporation, Madiba Bay Resorts, Pearson Park Resort, South African National Parks, Western Cape Nature Conservation Board, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM), Cerebos Ltd and the National Ports Authority allowed access to areas under their administration. R. Linton and A. Steyn arranged for access to the Eersterivier–Oubostrand area. B. Howe of Malachite Charters, L. Edwards of Raggy Charters, Marine and Coastal Management, National Sea Rescue Institute and the South African Air Force provided transport to offshore islands. C. Scott and K. Pressly of NMMM are thanked for their assistance with counts made on the Swartkops River estuary. Western Cape Nature Conservation Board and C. Humphrey provided transport to the Keurbooms River mouth. H. Corneilson and R. Linton kindly provided boat transport to the Krom River mouth and Gamtoos River mouth respectively. N. Bosman, A. J. Tree and R. Fox arranged beach drives in the Alexandria Dunefields and between Port Alfred and the Fish River. R. v. d. Bijl, E. Lourens, D. Wildeman, G. Weis, P. Lamini, P. Benson, M. Anderson, A. Farquhar, S. Burland, R. Paton, I. Welgemoed, S. Procheş and B. M. Dyer assisted with counts in the Plettenberg Bay and Port Elizabeth areas and on offshore islands. C. Urquhart, D. Colquhoun, D. Langman and T. G. Bornman kindly contributed counts of roosting and breeding Kelp Gulls. R. Braby and J. Kemper provided data from counts undertaken in Namibia. R. J. M. Crawford kindly provided data collected by Marine and Coastal Management. H. Nieuwoudt, K. Peterse, A. Riley, L. Deney, I. Stofile, J. Alexander, I. Grey, the captain and crew of Rescue 6 and the captain and crew of the Jasus provided invaluable logistical assistance. We thank S. Bailey, R. Prys-Jones and M. Sandford for help in locating reference material. R. J. M. Crawford, R. M. Randall and L. G. Underhill are thanked for their comments on and improvements to the manuscript.


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Appendix 1.  Kelp Gull roosts, with dates and times when counted, 2003–04
Time of counts is given as 24-hour clock (i.e. 1705 hours); unrecorded = time of count not recorded
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