BDBSA Project Metadata Detail

Survey/Project Number: 769          Total No. of Sites: 256
Survey/Project Name: South Australia Fairy Tern Census 2011-2012
Abstract: The last known State census of Fairy Terns was undertaken in 1997 (Paton, 2003). Due to the high costs associated with visiting and monitoring known breeding sites particularly offshore islands on Eyre Peninsula means there is a risk of an incomplete or poorly understood current Fairy Tern status in South Australia in terms of distribution, total abundance, and breeding success. The Project aimed to undertake a systematic assessment of Fairy Tern distribution and abundance in South Australia through a survey of known and potential breeding sites. At selected breeding sites, namely within the Coorong NP the breeding ecology was monitored. Completion of such an assessment will contribute to key objectives of a Local Action Plan for the Fairy Tern in the Coorong and will in the future contribute to a long-term strategy for recovery of the species at State and national level. The Plan contains actions that within a 1-2 year implementation timeframe should result in no further loss of the species in South Australia. Thus help to ensure the persistence of a viable breeding population of the Fairy Tern in South Australia. Developing the Plan is crucial because as a Ramsar site the Coorong and Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert Wetland of International Importance supports up to 26.6% of the global population of the south-eastern Fairy Tern. The Project was funded by DENR, Nature Foundation SA, Friends of Coorong, SECCI. The aim of the 2011-2012 census survey is to determine the current status of the Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis nereis) in South Australia. The Purpose is to underpin the development of a well-informed Fairy Tern State and National Recovery Plan. Three surveys were completed in Nov 2011, Feb 2012 and Apr 2012. Where possible each SITE was surveyed on each occasion. Where there are no records for any one survey the site was NOT COUNTED. 0 observations implies the site was surveyed but NIL RETURN.
 
Start Date: 01/07/2011      End Date: 30/06/2012
Survey Type: Fauna only
   
Study Area Description: South Australia coastal regions
Objectives
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation survey objectives recorded
         Fauna: The Project aimed to undertake a systematic assessment of Fairy Tern distribution and abundance in South Australia through a survey of known and potential breeding sites.The aim of the 2011-2012 census survey is to determine the current status of the Fairy Tern (Sterna nereis nereis) in South Australia. The Purpose is to underpin the development of a well-informed Fairy Tern State and National Recovery Plan.
Methodology
         Vegetation: *** No vegetation methodology recorded
         Fauna: Survey To undertake surveys a fauna Permit will be obtained from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Known and potential Fairy Tern breeding sites in South Australia that have been sighted and or recorded in literature will be visited three times throughout the breeding season either by foot, boat or kayak of September to March in 2011-2012. Visits will be undertaken by and in conjunction with DENR Regional staff and other agency field staff supported by local communities and businesses e.g. community volunteers and boat operators. Upon reaching breeding areas including islands, each site will be circumnavigated by foot, boat or kayak. Nesting colonies of Fairy Terns are usually easily detected by their behaviour and calls. At each site the following meta data will be recorded: date, observer, Site ID, GPS (WGS84), location description in addition a dataset recording the habitat, number of adults and breeding pairs will be noted, key threats present and at selected breeding sites the breeding success will be monitored.Selected Breeding Sites If applicable, breeding uccess will be monitored at a selection of breeding sites. These sites will be selected based on colony size and accessibility to the breeding colony.Distribution Through surveys a distribution map of Fairy Terns in South Australia will be developed using Arc GIS. Total Abundance Complete counts will be made of adults during each visit. Birds will be observed with binoculars and/or a spotting scope. Still photography will also be used to further aid counts and cross-check field notes. Nesting Success At selected breeding sites the breeding success will be monitored. see BioDataStore for conntinuation of methods. "If birds are seen in breeding plumage and pairs and exhibiting protective behavior the number of sitting adults, juveniles, chicks, eggs and scrapes are counted by at least two visits; first during the middle of the breeding season to assess the size of the colony and the second towards the end of nesting to assess the level of nesting success. On the first visit the number of sitting adults (assumed to be incubating) will be recorded, followed by a systematic walk through of the colony to record number of eggs and/or chicks. On the second visit juvenile birds and/or nearly fledged birds will be observed with binoculars and with a spotting scope. This part will be undertaken by DENR staff and/or experienced ornithologist. Currently Permit A25916-1 covers for this but only in the Coorong NP. Another Permit will be sought to cover other areas across SA. Threats Factors potentially influencing nest and fledgling success e.g. human activity, predation, natural disturbance e.g. poor habitat, water inundation at selected sites will be documented. Analysis All data collected will be collated regionally and analysed by DENR CLL District Ecologist Clare Manning and reviewed by DENR Regional Ecologists. All data will be lodged on the SA Biological Surveys Database."

Data Distribution Rules: Public Dataset
Project Basis: Fauna : Presence and absence method
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:South East)