VICTORIA, Seychelles — The red-footed booby population of Aldabra Atoll has been recorded at more than 45,000 pairs, making it the largest colony of the species in the Indian Ocean. The figure is the result of a new study that combined traditional bird census methods with modern drone survey technology, generating deeper and more accurate insights into one of the world’s most important seabird populations.
According to the study, the use of drones revealed several previously undocumented inland breeding areas, improved count accuracy, and reduced field effort, while also creating a permanent visual record for future comparisons. Lower breeding success was documented in sub-colonies where red-footed boobies nest alongside frigatebirds, or where feral cats occur. Despite this, the overall population of red-footed boobies on Aldabra is thriving.
Dr Annabelle Constance, head of Science of Conservation, said the study highlights how research on Aldabra continues to evolve. ‘This study shows the value of using drones to monitor remote or logistically challenging colonies, and we recommend UAVs as a standard tool for surveying large seabird species in low-lying mangrove colonies,’ she noted. Dr Jennifer Appoo, who has conducted extensive research on the relationship between seabirds and mangrove ecosystems, said the red-footed boobies play a vital role in Aldabra’s mangroves. ‘Their guano adds essential nutrients that help the trees grow and keep the mangrove ecosystem thriving,’ she explained. The full paper is published in Oryx: The International Journal of Conservation.
