Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775:reg:18:p27
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00775
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 18 (pt 27/152)
Character Range: 114753–117782

of Ashmore Reef Marine Park, Lord Howe Island, Norfolk Island, Coral Sea Marine Park and two known islands and cays in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Herald Cays (Coral Sea Marine Park) support a population in excess of 500 breeding pairs and is the most important breeding site for this species in Eastern Australia (Baker 2008). The population of Red-tailed Tropicbirds on Raine Island, Queensland has increased on average, by approximately 1.4 per cent per year since 1980 (GBRMPA 2019). The national population is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence for any declines or substantial threats.

54 Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds
Species profiles

 Conservation Concerns and Actions
Invasive species, particularly rats and cats, have caused significant losses in Red-tailed Tropicbird colonies. The species has been shown to benefit from eradications that have been carried out to date. An increased frequency and intensity of tropical storm and cyclones may reduce breeding success. Sea level rise has the potential to eliminate breeding habitat on low lying islands and cays.

 Recommended Management Actions
       Determine Red-tailed Tropicbird breeding population numbers and trends

    Manage human disturbance at breeding localities, particularly when adults are incubating eggs

       Control, or eradicate invasive species at breeding localities

    Implement best practice quarantine measures at breeding colonies to reduce the risk of any invasive species (re)establishing on islands
Wildlife Conservation Plan for Seabirds 55
 Species profiles

 White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus)

  Life History and Distribution
The White-tailed Tropicbird (Phaethon lepturus) is a distinctive, medium sized white seabird with black diagonal bar on the inner upperwing, black based outer primaries and long white central tail feathers and yellow bill. It is much smaller than the Red-tailed Tropicbird. The species is pantropical, breeding at many locations, though usually in low numbers. Two subspecies occur in Australia, subspecies fulvus is listed endangered under the EPBC Act. The species is most common off North West Australia and a rare visitor to the Coral Sea and east coast. The species is primarily oceanic in tropical waters, rarely inshore, and only is near land when breeding. Nests are located on islands and atolls utilising a variety of habitats from closed canopy rainforest to bare sandy ground and rugged rocky terrain. The species feeds mainly on fish and cephalopods, captured by deep plunge diving. Patterns of movement away from the breeding sites is not well known.

  Population Estimates and Trends
The global population is estimated at >50,000 individuals (del Hoyo et al. 1992). The Australian population is poorly known owing to the numerous breeding sites and protracted and asynchronous breeding season making an accurate census difficult. The largest population breeds on Christmas Island (6,000–12,000 pairs; subspecies fulvus) and is