User:Katjnz/sandbox

Content in this sandbox is the overall structure I am working towards for the New Zealand Fairy Tern article. It is based on the overall structure of the Kakapo article.

= Sandbox content for New Zealand Fairy Tern = The New Zealand fairy tern (Māori: tara-iti) (Sternula nereis davisae) is a small tern endemic to New Zealand. It is the smallest tern breeding in New Zealand and is a subspecies of the fairy tern. It is considered critically endangered with an estimated 45 individuals and 12 breeding pairs. The oldest known New Zealand Fairy Tern was 18.

Appearance, significance to Maori.

Summary of endangerment, threats

Taxonomy, systematics and naming
'''Who described it first and when. What its names (maori and latin) mean. Any arguments about how it was classified.'''

Description
General description of features, including unique identifying features

Any interesting facts about evolution of species

Male vs female

Description of young

Calls

Internal anatomy
I am not qualified even a little bit to do this part, but I'm including it because the Kakapo has it.

Ecology and behaviour
'''Niche. Historical distribution. Preferred habitats.'''

Diet

Behaviour

Breeding
The New Zealand Fairy Tern is usually faithful to mates, foraging areas, and nesting sites.

Breeding is limited to four regular sites: Waipu, Mangawhai, Pakiri and the South Kaipara Head. Courtship begins in September, with egg laying occurring between late October and early January. During the breeding season, the birds' cap turns from mottled black and white to pure black, and their yellow beaks and orange legs get brighter. Prior to laying, the male will forage and deliver extra food for the female. Nests are constructed on sandspits clear of vegetation and debris. Birds typically lay 1-2 eggs per nest. Nests are small unlined scrapes in the sand and are roped off and monitored by The Department of Conservation. Females will typically relay eggs if their clutch or chicks are lost early in the season, up to three attempts have been recorded.

The nests are constructed near white, grey and orange shell debris to help disguise the eggs and chicks, and are found at least 1km apart from each other. Nests that are too close together can cause intraspecific competition and reduce the fledging rate. Eggs take 21 days to hatch. Females spend more time incubating eggs than males, while males forage and provide the majority of food to the chicks. When 2 eggs are laid in the nest, parents have been observed to ensure both chicks are fed equally. The chicks are mobile from hatching, and ready to fully fledge from 30 days old.

Nests are vulnerable to environmental events such as storms and high tides; predation; and human recreational activities. Parents will defend nests from predators and humans by flying at and defecating on the intruder.

'''How old are they when they start breeding? How long can they live?'''

Feeding
'''What do they like to eat? Interesting facts/research about diet.'''

Conservation
Summary of existing numbers and decline, including pre-Maori if known.

It is estimated that the population of New Zealand Fairy Terns includes 45 individuals, with around 12 breeding pairs, making it one of the most endangered indigenous birds in New Zealand. Records from the 19th Century suggests that New Zealand Fairy Terns were once found widely on the coasts of the North Island, and at river mouths on the East Coast of the South Island, however they do not indicate numbers were high in any single spot. By 1983, the number of birds plummeted to three breeding pairs. Intensive conservation efforts by the New Zealand Wildlife Service (now Department of Conservation) introduced wardens and fencing to increase bird numbers. These interventions are still carried out today.

Today they only breed in the Northland Peninsula between Whangarei and Auckland.

Nests are vulnerable being on the beach. Natural events such as storms, floods, and high tides are threats to nests, and interventions such as sandbags are used to reduce their impact .. Adverse weather events can also affect the ability of terns to forage, leading to starvation of the young.

Human impact
'''Impact of Maori immigration. Any traditional use by Maori.'''

European impact, including introduction of predators.

Introduced predators including rats, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and mustelids are considered threats to the New Zealand Fairy Tern.

Modern impacts

The Department of Conservation identifies habitat depletion through residential development, exotic pine plantations, and pastoral farming as a major threat to the New Zealand Fairy Tern.

All of the breeding sites are used extensively for recreational activities which can affect the ability to forage and raise young. Beach activities can also threaten the nests of birds as they are well camoflaged. The Department of Conservation monitors breeding sites and erects fences around nests each year to reduce the impact of beach activities.

Conservation efforts (broken up into pre-WWII; 1950-1987; 1987-today if possible)
Summary of conservation history.

In Maori Culture
Summary of traditional uses including whether arrivals signalled anything, food and clothing

In the media
'''Any documentaries or major appearances. Any famous birds.'''

Was featured on Critter of the Week.