Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p77
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 77/152)
Character Range: 252851–255973

this species is in the fast-changing marine and terrestrial environment, particularly the rapidly warming sea of southern Australia (Voice et al. 2006, Wu et al. 2012). In southwestern Australia, the sea surface temperatures have been associated with poorer breeding including lower fledging success, fewer chicks per pair and a lower mean mass of chicks at fledging (Cannell et al. 2012). Little Penguins have been also shown to catch fewer prey in warmer conditions (Carroll et al. 2016). Oceanographic change may lead to a mismatch between plankton and the small pelagic fish that are also penguin prey (Hinder et al. 2013). Increasing terrestrial temperatures are also responsible for Little Penguin mortality due to hyperthermia (Cannell et al. 2011, Chambers et al 2013).

Recommended Management Actions
      Regularly monitor breeding populations at index locations

      Measure contaminant levels in all relevant life stages

      Control, or eradicate invasive species at breeding colonies

    Implement best practice quarantine measures at breeding colonies to reduce the risk of any invasive species (re)establishing on islands

      Maintain bycatch mitigation strategies in relevant fishery operations

Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds 109

Species profiles

Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel)

  Life History and Distribution
The Lesser Frigatebird (Fregata ariel) is the smallest frigatebird with black and white marking that vary with age and sex. The species has a typical frigatebird structure with long pointed wings, long bill with hooked tip and a very long, deeply forked tail. Lesser Frigatebirds are found throughout tropical waters in the Indian, west and central Pacific Oceans. The Lesser Frigatebird breeds on small, remote tropical and sub-tropical islands, in mangroves or bushes, and even on bare ground. Outside the breeding season it is sedentary, with immature and non-breeding individuals dispersing throughout tropical seas, especially of the Indian and Pacific Oceans (del Hoyo et al. 1992). It feeds mainly on fish (especially flying-fish) and squid, but also on seabird eggs and chicks, carrion and fish scraps (del Hoyo et al. 1992).

  Population Estimates and Trends
Del Hoyo et al. (1992) estimate that the population is likely several hundred thousand individuals. The global population estimate is between 100,000–500,000 individuals (BirdLife International 2019). It has been suggested that the frigatebird roost at Weipa, Queensland should be recognised as nationally or internationally significant for one or both species of frigatebirds (Gould 2008). Likewise, survey data suggests Ashmore Reef Marine Park comprises significant numbers and is believed to account for ≥1% of the global population (Cannell and Surman 2020). Baker and Holdsworth (2013) reported that from a regional perspective, the Herald Cays (Coral Sea Marine Park) contain a significant proportion of the region's breeding populations of Lesser Frigatebirds. Up to 2012, there were 20-year and 10-year data sets available