Fauna: |
Cryptic bird survey Aim: Identify presence/absence and population numbers of cryptic species that utilize Coorong/Lower
Lakes habitats Hypothesis: Habitats with high % reed cover will support the highest cryptic bird species richness and
abundance. Summary: This study will survey cryptic birds species in habitats containing low, medium and high % cover by reeds and rushes (tall, reedy vegetation). The project aims to identify which habitats (or combination of habitat types) should be conserved to support the highest range and abundance of cryptic bird species. This project utilizes both remote automated Call Recording Units) and direct (manual bird survey) methods for estimating presence/absence and population numbers of cryptic bird species. Manual survey methods (20 min search of a 2ha area) are required to survey species that: 1) do not call/vocalise, or 2) call infrequently, and would therefore not be detected using Automated Call Recording Units. We will not handle any birds during this study. Breeding bird survey Aims: Identify the habitats/sites used by waterbirds for breeding. Assess whether the location and characteristics of key waterbird breeding areas have changed over the past 100 years (using literature search + modern survey data). Hypotheses: Modern waterbird breeding activity occurs mostly in protected, nonmainland habitats (islands). Breeding activity will be low at sites that can be accessed by terrestrial predators. Summary: This study will survey the Coorong/Lower Lakes area to identify the number of nests of each waterbird species at sites with high breeding activity. We will assess the characteristics of key breeding sites, and identify areas that need to be managed for their importance to waterbirds. This study will use observational methods to count the number of nests and identity of species at nesting sites. We will not handle adult birds, chicks, eggs or nests. We will conduct four aerial surveys of the area to identify groups of breeding birds. Aerial surveys will be followed by land/boat surveys to ascertain the identity of breeding birds and the number of nests present within colonies. We will remain >5m away from nests at all times. *We expect that all fieldwork will be conducted between Sept-Dec 2012. This period may be extended to Sept 2012-Feb 2013 if peak activity continues past Dec and/or if we require larger sample sizes. |