| Summary: | The majority of breeding colonies of Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus), a vulnerable species, are located in freshwater inland wetlands. However, in the Mediterranean region, a few breeding colonies are found in lagoon systems. One of them (Karavasta, Albania) was already known early this century and two others (Camalti Tuzlasi and the Menderes Delta, Turkey) are recent, established probably during the 1970s following the abandonment of breeding colonies located in freshwater inland wetlands. Breeding success (from 0 to 0.85 chicks nest-1) is generally lower than that in breeding colonies located in freshwater inland wetlands. Disturbance (fishery activities, bird watchers, photographers), predation by gulls and limited availability of food late in the breeding season might explain this observed lower breeding success. Eels (Anguilla anguilla), mullet (Mugilspp.), gobies (Gobius spp.), and sand smelt (Atherina spp.) are the main food items eaten by Dalmatian Pelicans in these systems. All these fish are commercial species for the traditional fisheries within the lagoons, and the Dalmatian Pelican might compete with fisheries. The maintenance of these breeding colonies of Dalmatian Pelicans within lagoon systems are under threat because of the alteration of the functioning of these lagoons, increasing disturbance and coastal development (tourism). Conservation measures should be rapidly implemented.
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