Thalissa Inch

Understanding the impacts of egg harvesting of Sooty Terns in Seychelles to reverse population decline.

Thalissa's work addresses the conservation challenge of declining seabird populations, specifically the Sooty Tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) in Seychelles, due to egg harvesting. Despite being the most abundant seabird species, the Sooty Tern has experienced a significant decline, with the broader meta-population dropping by approximately 60% since 2015. Through population modeling, demographic analysis, and studying factors such as diet, nesting, vegetation, and environmental changes, Thalissa's research aims to quantify the impacts of egg harvesting and other drivers like habitat modification and invasive species. This research will guide effective conservation strategies for protecting these seabird colonies.