Terning the tide: habitat enhancement in coastal environments for protection of New Zealand fairy tern/tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae) nests

In New Zealand there are numerous ground-nesting sea and shore birds, many of which face similar threats to their nesting success. Threats include environmental conditions such as tidal inundation, damaging weather events and sand movement – challenges that are expected to worsen with ongoing climate change. Among the most vulnerable of these species is the New Zealand fairy tern / tara iti (Sternula nereis davisae). Nest protection and habitat enhancement methods including shell patch creation,