Date:  27 July 2017

Rotorua is home to three different gull species of which two are classed as threatened. Black-billed gulls are classed as being ‘nationally critical’ – one step away from extinction and more threatened than kiwi. 

Although relatively common in Rotorua, the worldwide population of black-billed gulls has been steadily declining at a rapid rate, leading to the species being tagged as the world’s most threatened gull species.

DOC rangers have received multiple reports of groups of tourists disturbing black-billed gulls, causing them to take flight towards nearby commercial operations. 

Both the water and the rocky shore around Sulphur Bay have Wildlife Refuge Status or Wildlife Sanctuary status – the highest order of protection in New Zealand. 

“We’ve previously erected warning signs in the area to let visitors know entry into the Sanctuary is unauthorised", explains DOC Ranger Supervisor Caraline Abbott. "We’ve also added an interpretation panel which raises awareness of the threatened bird species.

“Although there may be thousands of black-billed gulls in Sulphur Bay, the recent fledgling rate from this population has been low and this is likely partially due to disturbance from humans. DOC has been monitoring this population for numerous years because of its threat status and it’s unfortunate that people do not recognise disturbing this bird as an issue – particularly if they are nesting.”

Rotorua Lakes Council administer a walkway around the bay and into Sanitorium Reserve however visitors have been known to cross barriers and wander into unauthorised areas. 

“Visitors crossing walkway barriers are not only compromising their own safety by being in geothermal areas, but are contradicting legislation established to protect our native species”.

While the gulls are commonly found at the lakefront where they regularly encounter human disturbance, they are unlikely to nest in this area and are more likely to nest in the quieter parts of the bay. Black-billed gull nests are camouflaged against the geothermal landscape, making them susceptible to being trampled by foot traffic. 

Background information

While some gull species are found in multiple countries, black-billed gulls are only found in New Zealand. Red-billed gulls have a conservation status of ‘declining’.

The large black-backed gull is the gull species most likely to be found scavenging at landfills and ports. This species is not classed as threatened.

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