Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p89
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 89/152)
Character Range: 285844–288855

maccormicki) but larger than Arctic Jaeger (S. parasiticus). This species breeds in the far north of Eurasia and North America. Breeding begins in June at scattered sites across the tundra where lemming concentrations are high. Individuals are highly territorial. The species performs a transequatorial migration, mostly wintering between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn and along the coastlines of Australia and Argentina (del Hoyo et al. 1996; Reid et al. 2002). The species remains somewhat coastal, especially in upwelling regions of the tropics and subtropics (BirdLife International 2019). Whilst breeding, it specialises in catching lemmings, which frequently constitute over 90 per cent of its diet. It also feeds on young shorebirds and gamebirds, bird eggs and carrion. In winter, it takes fish, sometimes by kleptoparasitism, small seabirds, and carrion.

 Population Estimates and Trends
 A very preliminary estimate of the global population size is approximately
 400,000 mature individuals, although further validation of this estimate is needed (BirdLife International 2019). The population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any decreases or substantial threats. The Australian population and trends are unknown.

 Conservation Concerns and Actions
The productivity of this species is thought to fluctuate in accordance with changes in the population of lemmings, a key prey item during the breeding season (Maher 1974). As a result of this, it is expected that future changes to lemming populations driven by climate change may have impacts on the breeding success of the Pomarine Jaeger, with some decreases already identified (Gilg et al. 2009). The future impact on populations is unknown, but it has the potential to have a significant negative effect on productivity, that if continued over several years could begin to drive a decrease in population level. In Australia, there are no factors thought to pose a genuine threat to this species.

 Recommended Management Actions
          Gain an improved understanding of the at sea distribution in Australia

          Determine non-breeding areas and migration routes

Species profiles

Arctic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus)

 Life History and Distribution
 The Arctic Jaeger (Stercorarius parasiticus) is a medium sized jaeger with an elegant appearance, and a fast falcon-like flight. Its size, shape and proportions are intermediate between Pomarine (S. pomarinus) and Long-tailed Jaegers (S. longicaudus). This species breeds on the northernmost coasts of Eurasia and North America and preforms a transequatorial migration, wintering on the southern tips of South America (as far north as Peru and Argentina), Africa (as far north as South Africa and Angola), and on the coasts of Australia and New Zealand (del Hoyo et al. 1996). This species is predominately coastal but will migrate over land. Most or all of its food is obtained by kleptoparasitism when nesting near