| Survey/Project Number: |
1023
Total No. of Sites:
98
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| Survey/Project Name: |
RED-CAPPED PLOVER MONITORING (BLA) |
| Abstract: |
This project aims to understand the breeding success, mating system, breeding biology and population dynamics of Red-capped Plovers in the Adelaide and Yorke Peninsula regions of South Australia.
Shorebirds possess a diverse array of mating and parental care systems, from male-only to female-only care of eggs and young, and polyandrous (multi-male) to polygynous (multi-female) social systems. Studies of shorebird breeding, mating and parental care have dramatically increased our understanding of evolution of mating systems and reproductive strategies among animals. For Australian shorebirds, there is an added importance and urgency for understanding their breeding biology due to the accelerating rate of habitat loss and anthropogenic disturbance associated with increased rates of human settlement in coastal locations. The breeding ecology of Australia's resident (non-migratory) shorebirds is poorly known, despite the fact they are a particularly threatened group of birds, and that breeding is a critical and vulnerable stage of their life cycles (Geering et al. 2007). The Red-capped Plover is one such resident shore-bird, and whilst currently not considered to be under threat, anecdotal evidence indicates this species is likely to be declining. Other beach nesting birds, such as the Hooded Plover, are threatened by range of processes, which will also impact upon Red-capped Plovers.
Commencement of this project was initially delayed so that we could invest in program setup, generating community interest and training of key NRM staff to be involved in community mentoring. In spring 2014, we commenced our second season of targeted monitoring of Red-capped Plover sites across the Samphire coast and Fleurieu Peninsula to learn more about variation in occupation of sites, and the occurrence of breeding and outcomes. There were 88 reports made during the 2013/14 breeding season and 116 reports made through our online My Beach Bird portal in the 2014/15 breeding season. In January 2015 we began the capture and banding of birds in the study area, targeting well-monitored sites. We captured and banded five adult Red-capped Plovers (4 females, 1 male) and banded 14 chicks, of which only two were old enough to receive leg flags in addition to metal bands. We are now preparing for another season of monitoring and sighting our flagged birds. The project has not produced any publications to date.
Data post 2016 is available via Project 1361 - BEACH-NESTING BIRD - BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA.
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| Start Date: |
01/06/2012
End Date: 01/01/2025
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| Survey Type: |
Fauna only |
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| Study Area Description: |
Samphire coast sites and Northern Fleurieu Peninsula: Bald Hill, Parham, Webb Beach, Thompson Beach, Light Beach, Port Prime, Port Gawler CP, Cheetham saltworks, Section Bank, Taperoo Beach, Semaphore South, Semaphore Park, Southport, Moana, North of Mutton Cove, Onkaparinga Head. Yorke Peninsula - Clinton CP, Wills Creek CP |