The globally Near-threatened Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum is little known and faces several conservation issues. The aim of this study was to provide a description of the ecology and numbers of the species and discuss conservation management plans that will effectively ensure its survival. Because 98% of the population breeds in Namibia, all data for the study pertaining to the species' breeding biology were collected here. Overall breeding success (probability of fledging one chick per pair per season) in Namibia was 0.36, although breeding success fluctuated between seasons and colonies. Predation of eggs and chicks was found to be the main factor impacting the breeding success of Damara Terns. Chick growth rate was slower than that of chicks of similar species. Resources allocated to growth favoured initial development of legs, then wings, and lastly, bill.