BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 1006          Total No. of Sites: 84
Survey/Project Name: Southern Yorke Peninsula Biofund - Coastal Raptors Monitoring
Abstract: This project aims to conduct monitoring to provide a baseline on the White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) populations in southern Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, from which to monitor the impacts of any coastal protection and inland restoration works undertaken as part of the Southern Yorke Peninsula Biofund Project over the longer term. This survey contains the boat and land-based monitoring data including individual raptor sightings, nest activity records and some opportunistic sightings. BACKGROUND: Coastal Raptors (White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Osprey) occur around the mainland and surrounding Islands of southern Yorke Peninsula. They are known to form long-term pairs and use nest sites over long-periods with favoured sites being used by successive generations (Dennis 2013 - unpublished). Coastal raptor populations are monitored by surveying the number of territorial or breeding pairs in suitable habitat. Known nest sites (current and previously occupied) provide a consistent base for monitoring these otherwise highly mobile species. On southern Yorke Peninsula coastal raptor nest sites (past and present) are located on the coastal cliffs on offshore Islands and the mainland. These species are sensitive to disturbance, particularly land-based activities, near their breeding sites during their respective breeding seasons. Evidence suggests that recent declines in the population in South Australia is related to increasing human activity and occupation of coastal areas. In addition to human disturbance affects the interplay between raptor species can also influence where pairs choose to breed each year (Dennis 2013 - unpublished). Therefore breeding activity surveys needed to cover all known (current and historic) nest sites around southern Yorke Peninsula and surrounding island including Althorpe and Wedge Island groups.
 
Start Date: 01/01/2014      End Date: 31/12/2020
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: Southern Yorke Peninsula coastline from Corny Point to Point Davenport including the offshore islands Althorpe, Haystack, Middle, Peters, Wedge and North Islands.
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: This project's objective are to monitor the population of White-bellied Sea-Eagles and Ospreys (Coastal Raptors) around the southern Yorke Peninsula coastline and offshore islands (including Wedge and North Islands in Spencer Gulf area). This included generating a baseline dataset to use in relation to monitoring the impact of any coastal protection and inland restoration works undertaken as part of the Southern Yorke Peninsula Biofund Project over the longer term.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: Methods included 1). boat-based coastal survey using minimal disturbance undertaken at the start of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle breeding season where possible (subject to weather & sea conditions), 2). distant land based observation of nest sites (following appropriate protocols) later in breeding season (to check young development) and 3). boat-based survey to check Osprey breeding activity and young development for both species (subject to funding & following appropriate protcols).

Data Distribution Rules: Sensitive Dataset: Data supplied to approved clients via DEWBioDataRequests@sa.gov.au
Project Basis: Fauna : Monitoring - Fauna/Ecosystem (ie species records - usually re-visited for ongoing monitoring) NOTE:NON Std Svy methodology may have been used.
Information Authority: Department for Environment and Heritage (BDBSA:Northern & Yorke) - Clare Office - Regional Ecologist