Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p88
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 88/152)
Character Range: 282935–286111

prey availability and incidental mortality from the baiting program. Since then the number of breeding pairs and breeding success has remained relatively stable (Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks Water and Environment pers. comm.).

 Conservation Concerns and Actions
In the absence of any major threats, the species is suspected to be stable. It is possible that, in the future, the effects of climate change could have an adverse impact on food sources and breeding habitat on the Antarctic Peninsula and subantarctic islands.

 Recommended Management Actions
          Quantify the breeding population at Heard Island

          Regularly monitor breeding populations at index locations

122 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds

Species profiles

 South Polar Skua (Catharacta maccormicki)

 Life History and Distribution
The South Polar Skua (Stercocorarius maccormicki, also known as Catharacta maccormicki) is very similar in size and shape to the Brown Skua (S. antarctica) but appears smaller and slimmer, with slightly finer head, bill and tarsi when directly compared. The body is pale golden brown in colour. The species breeds around the Antarctic coastline including the Antarctic Peninsula, and in the Ross Sea area on relatively snow-free areas (del Hoyo et al. 1996). It is usually reliant on fish (Pietz 1987), with predation on penguins being of variable importance (del Hoyo et al. 1996). It can, however, subsist exclusively on penguins where a breeding colony is associated to a penguin colony (Trillmich 1978, Young and Miller 1999). The species undergoes a transequatorial migration, wintering as far north as Alaska (USA) and Greenland.

 Population Estimates and Trends
The population is estimated to be between 6,000 -15,000 mature individuals (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
At present there are no factors thought to pose a threat to this species. It is possible that, in the future, the effects of climate change could have adverse impacts on food sources and breeding habitat on the Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic coastline.

 Recommended Management Actions
          Quantify the breeding population in Australia

          Regularly monitor breeding populations at index locations

Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds 123

 Species profiles

 Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus)

 Life History and Distribution
The Pomarine Jaeger (Stercorarius pomarinus) is the largest jaeger, thickset with heavy bill, thick neck, deep chest and barrel-shaped body. The species is smaller and slimmer than Brown Skua (S. antarctica) and South Polar Skua (S. 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