Alarm over species' decline

A landmark report on shorebird conservation on the south coast has rung alarm bells for the survival of a number of species in the region.

The report calls for local councils and community groups to adopt policies to protect shorebird habitats.

The Shorebirds on WA’s South Coast report found many shorebird habitats in the region were threatened by human disturbance, highlighting concerns about changing habitats at Wilson Inlet.

The report found elevated water levels at Wilson Inlet meant suitable habitat was not available for shorebirds – a major threat to their survival.

It also found human disturbance due to recreational activities significantly affected shorebird habitats at other sites.

The findings were based on an extensive survey in January across the western portion of the South Coast natural resource management region, from Walpole to Albany and inland to Lake Muir and the North Stirlings.

Of the 25 sites selected, there were shorebirds present at only 16 sites.

A total of 1600 shorebirds were counted during the week-long survey.

Migratory shorebirds visit Australia via the East Asia-Australasia flyway and spend their non-breeding cycle here from October to March.

The report called on State agencies to prevent summer flooding of vital foreshore habitats, and recommended the need for local councils and community organisations to make greater efforts to prevent disturbance to shorebirds from uncontrolled dogs, off-road vehicles and other human impacts.

The report was prepared by consulting ornithologist Peter Taylor on behalf of Green Skills and the Torbay Catchment Group, with input from the Albany Bird Group, Birds Australia, South Coast NRM and Lotterywest.

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