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South Polar Skuas breed only on ice-free regions of coastal Antarctica. The at-sea distribution of this species is poorly understood. Off the Pacific coast of Canada, South Polar Skuas have been encountered between early June and late November (Campbell et al. 1990a, Kenyon et al. 2009), and off the Atlantic coast of Canada, between late May and early October (C. Gjerdrum, Environment Canada, unpublished data). Detections are not sufficient to determine if there has been a change in the population status in Canada relative to 1970. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
High levels of some persistent organic pollutants have been found in the blood of South Polar Skuas, likely accumulated in polluted overwintering areas (Bustnes et al. 2007, Corsolini et al. 2011). However, it is unknown whether these pollutants have affected the South Polar Skuas’ reproductive success (Bustnes et al. 2007).
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.