First breeding of Audouin’s Gull, Larus audouinii, in the Parco Naturale Regionale Molentargius - Saline (Sardinia)

Abstract

In 2007 a colony of Audouin’s Gull settled for the first time in Molentargius saltpans, which represent a non-typical habitat for this (formerly) strictly marine species. The 64 breeding pairs had a productivity of ca. 0.2 chicks/pair. Within Sardinia, this is the third breeding site located on coastal wetlands/saltpans. These habitats host today more than 40% of the Italian population, playing therefore a key role in the conservation of this endangered species.