Arctic tern  (Sterna paradisaea)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Threats

This species is listed on the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List; its population has experienced periodic declines since the 1980s and low breeding success throughout the 1990s (4). Declines have also occurred elsewhere in Europe. The main threats facing this species include nest predation by hedgehogs, introduced American mink (Mustela vison) and rats, as well as coastal development, disturbance by recreational activities, and a lack of the most important food source, sandeels, possibly caused by over-fishing by humans (4).

Conservation

38% of the British breeding population occurs within Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and so the species receives a level of protection at these sites (4).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.
There may be further information about this species available via the National Biodiversity Network Gateway.
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