1000 Islands Collaboration

The Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves (IRLAP) staff collaborated with FWC, the Brevard Zoo and Brevard County Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) to investigate open spaces on the 1000 Islands, near Banana River Aquatic Preserve, for potential least tern nesting sites. Florida’s least terns (Sternula antillarum) are listed as threatened, and their nesting habitat is rapidly disappearing. They prefer open, flat sandy areas with a view for seeing any predators coming. EEL staff were on the 1000 islands clearing exotic plants last year when they noted possible scrapes from the least tern nesting attempts. Identifying potential predators like raccoons, coyotes, bobcats or great horned owls is the first step in determining whether a least tern colony will succeed in that location. IRLAP staff set up a wildlife camera to take hourly photos of nearby snags to see what (if any) winged predators may visit this location. IRLAP is excited to make further improvements to the site, like clearing more vegetation, if it is determined this is a safe space.