Tracking the global application of conservation translocation and social attraction to reverse seabird declines

Significance

Tracking evidence of species restoration can improve best practices and management outcomes. Seabirds are globally threatened and respond positively to restoration, particularly on islands where threats can be mitigated at landscape scales. We developed the Seabird Restoration Database—a compendium of translocation and social attraction efforts systematically synthesized from nearly 1,400 resources and over 300 experts to inform seabird restoration best practices. The database includes 851 events targeting 138 species in 551 locations and 36 countries. Outcomes varied by taxonomy and were positive: 80% of events resulted in visitation and 76% achieved breeding, within 2 y of implementation on average. These outcomes demonstrate the efficacy of restoration actions for recovering seabird populations and the database provides a baseline for tracking conservation progress.

Abstract

The global loss of biodiversity has inspired actions to restore nature across the planet. Translocation and social attraction actions deliberately move or lure a target species to a restoration site to reintroduce or augment populations and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Given limited conservation funding and rapidly accelerating extinction trajectories, tracking progress of these interventions can inform best practices and advance management outcomes. Seabirds are globally threatened and commonly targeted for translocation and social attraction (“active seabird restoration”), yet no framework exists for tracking these efforts nor informing best practices. This study addresses this gap for conservation decision makers responsible for seabirds and coastal management. We systematically reviewed active seabird restoration projects worldwide and collated results into a publicly accessible Seabird Restoration Database. We describe global restoration trends, apply a systematic process to measure success rates and response times since implementation, and examine global factors influencing outcomes. The database contains 851 active restoration events in 551 locations targeting 138 seabird species; 16% of events targeted globally threatened taxa. Visitation occurred in 80% of events and breeding occurred in 76%, on average 2 y after implementation began (SD = 3.2 y). Outcomes varied by taxonomy, with the highest and quickest breeding response rates for Charadriiformes (terns, gulls, and auks), primarily with social attraction. Given delayed and variable response times to active restoration, 5 y is appropriate before evaluating outcomes. The database and results serve as a model for tracking and evaluating restoration outcomes, and is applicable to measuring conservation interventions for additional threatened taxa.