How GPS tracking and monitoring are informing human-gull conflict issues in Belfast.

• Main Authors: 3rd World Seabird Conference 2021, Booth Jones, Katherine
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Underline Science Inc. 2021
• Subjects: Animal Science; Ornithology; Emerging Technologies; Atkinson; Burton; Lesser black-backed gull
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.48448/fwn5-1203; https://underline.io/lecture/34637-how-gps-tracking-and-monitoring-are-informing-human-gull-conflict-issues-in-belfast.

Abstract: Although Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. fuscus) are listed as Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland, populations are thought to be increasing in urban areas, with associated concerns over the perceived nuisance they pose. Despite this, nothing is known about how individuals use the urban environment in Northern Ireland and how this may differ from their declining coastal counterparts. We used GPS GSM tags to track Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls nesting in Belfast during the breeding season to investigate their space-use and identify areas of potential human-gull conflict, providing information to the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute. Comparison was made with Herring Gulls from a nearby natural-nesting population. Time-In-Area and resource selection function analysis showed that roof-nesting gulls of both species predominantly used urban areas, travelling on average 4km from their nests. Individuals showed preferences for foraging in specific areas that were consistent between years, minimising overlap in their space use. In contrast, Herring Gulls from the natural-nesting population travelled further, exploiting agricultural habitats as well as urban areas. Although gulls have the ability to travel large distances to find food, gulls tracked around Belfast did not travel far from their nests and tended to focus their time in urban areas. Our tracking data show that urban areas in Northern Ireland provide safe nesting habitats for gulls and food resources which are used throughout the breeding season, both by roof-nesting individuals and by those from natural-nesting populations. The presence of foraging gulls within the urban environment may be a symptom of poor waste management in certain areas and these are issues that can be addressed to minimise human-gull conflict issues in the future as urban gull populations increase across the island of Ireland. Authors: Katherine Booth Jones¹, Chris Thaxter¹, Gary Clewley¹, Shane Wolsey¹, Phil Atkinson¹, Niall H. Burton¹ ¹British Trust for Ornithology