Endemic to South Island, the Black-fronted Tern's conservation status has recently been upgraded to 'Endangered' due to evidence of a widespread population decline. The latest population estimates suggest there are fewer than 5000 pairs remaining. Its nests, on shingle riverbeds and lakeshores, and are prone to predation and disturbance by introduced mammals. Introduced plants (especially Lupins), and hydroelectric schemes also reduce the available habitat that is suitable for nesting.
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