Floating rafts for Common Tern were installed in Sartai Regional Park
02-06-2019
Three special floating rafts for Common terns were installed in the Lake Sartai near Dusetos settlement. The place was chosen close to the colony of the Black-headed gulls. These two species often breed in close neighbourhood, as collective defence helps against the predators. It must be admitted, that the Black-headed gulls choose breeding places, that are covered by the vegetation, while Common terns breed in open habitats. Unfortunately, there is a lack of natural open habitats for terns in Lake Sartai, thus the artificial rafts with a layer of gravel were installed. Floating rafts also contain special protection shelters, which aim is to provide protection for chicks from predators and sun. The chosen place is suitable not only because of its close neighbourhood with the colony of the Black-headed gulls, but it’s also not affected by the waving as rafts are installed in a small bay, which is protected from wind with trees and reeds.
Floating rafts in the Lake Sartai. Photo by Daiva Norkūnienė
Common terns breed in natural small islands in Vasaknos fishponds, which are located 6 km from the Lake Sartai, however due to the economic activities the number of suitable islands there is declining. Respectively decreasing the number of breeding pairs of the Common Tern. It is expected, that special floating rafts in the Lake Sartai will allow to keep stable population of the Common tern in the region.
Floating raft. Photo by Daiva Norkūnienė
Floating rafts were produced and installed by the JSC „Storasis ąžuolas“.
