The distribution and status of waterbirds around the coast and coastal wetlands of the Northern Territory

摘要: Prior to 1990 there had been little survey work done assess the distribution and status (primarily their abundance, density seasonality) of any Northern Territory coastal fauna. With possible exception some Magpie Goose aerial surveys in Kakadu National Park, also very on assessing this for Top End wetland Locating documenting information our fauna, prior instigating necessary management actions, is a vital step ensuring future conservation these animals habitats. Commencing with Parks Wildlife Service Territory, I began series extensive ground locate document selected faunal assemblages (mostly aquatic birds, marine turtles cetaceans) along coastline, offshore islands wetlands. This fourth reports being written from collected during surveys. Individual are based different species groups surveyed. (For purposes birds were considered separately as shorebirds, seabirds waterbirds, even though shorebirds waterbirds). The three previous waterbird seabird breeding colonies, shorebirds. This current report summarises 66 migratory resident (i.e. not including shorebirds). It covers all waterbirds previously included earlier dealing only colonial waterbirds. details non-breeding (13) which discussed terms colony report. As each reports, has produced an overview status, main aim assisting research priorities. More detailed papers areas will be at later date following further analysis data. Over 16 year period made nearly 70 000 separate records, totalling cumulative 5.6 million individuals area. Of these, 30 2.6 individuals, purpose record single count that differs by species, location and/or time). These records other gathered my have clearly shown floodplains wetlands support internationally important numbers many highly favourable habitats. Waterbirds recorded parts coast, throughout vast tidal freshwater wetland. Within area End, 31 documented regionally significant taxa. Many national significance least 22 international importance (they would example qualify Ramsar listing) solely much minimum number areas, could divided still qualify; such present. Further, addition shorebird see them elevate combined. There additional (or East Asian-Australasian Shorebird Network) alone. (Chatto, 2003). Waterbirds greatest several areas. particular around Keep River/Legune Station far south west, between Moyle Finniss Rivers, Adelaide River Murgenella Creek north west End. Further across northern part Liverpool/Tomkinson Rivers Glyde/Goyder (Arafura Swamps) southern Arnhem Bay. Along east coast most associated Blue Mud Bay, Roper Port McArthur east. Most found area, greater than suspected. Goose, four egrets Australian White Ibis abundant Other extremely Pied Heron, Nankeen Night Heron Masked Lapwing. population leave breed (either regularly or irregularly), large abundances when they present both whistling-duck Grey Teal, Glossy Straw-necked Ibis, Brolga, Black-winged Stilt Whiskered Tern, Gull-billed, Common White-winged Black Tern. Species do normally appear groups, but was nationally because high total numbers, Green Pygmy-goose, Great-billed Black-necked Stork, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, White-bellied Sea Eagle Chestnut Rail Comb-crested Jacana. Many Around 13 mixed colonies. covered certain extent report, detail (Chatto 2000b). reported more authors. remaining well studied obvious stick nests belonging Blacknecked Stork raptors, emphasis given searching pairs surveys. Waterbirds, like fauna unique position. Not immense amount habitat supports populations remote subject pressures human populations. Although likely remain case short term least, it equally expansion within Australia, especially targeted development, broad-acre irrigation schemes, stage too distant future. eventuality we must prepared. We ensure security before problems arise. key sites first process.