Waterbird breeding colonies in the Top End of the Northern Territory

摘要: This is the first report in a series that will document location and status of selected faunal assemblages on Northern Territory coastline, offshore islands Top End floodplains. It addresses colonial waterbird breeding sites includes species egrets, herons, cormorants ibises, Australian Pelican, Darter Royal Spoonbill. Little information existed colonies (north latitude 16 o 35'S) prior to 1990. Information gathered during aerial ground surveys primarily between 1990 1999 have subsequently shown coast major floodplains nationally globally significant numbers nesting waterbirds, particularly Intermediate, Great, Little Cattle Egrets. Seventy-six colonies, confirmed active survey period, are here documented. The majority these were located by author, while few listed from evidence provided reliable informants period. >Colonies distributed around most larger coastal floodplains, extending inland for no further than about 40 kilometres. important areas Moyle Finniss Rivers Adelaide River Murgenella Creek. least Tiwi Islands, Cobourg Peninsular, Groote Eylandt northern part Gulf Carpentaria. Apart two small Low Rock Haul Round Island, supported (their importance was seabird be discussed subsequent report). The vast either Aboriginal land or pastoral leasehold land. Only 5% occurred conservation reserves. an issue need consideration future. Stands mangrove paperbark trees strongly preferred as sites, with some preferring one other others found equally both types. Fifteen breed at individual having 1 11 species. Colony sizes varied low tens 15000+ adults. As well birds within them, because every year, unlike many southern Australia. Breeding begins early November when Egrets commence nesting, continues through October later-breeding Darter, White Ibis Spoonbill finishing. longest duration any single colony August. A 52 which not main body report, been past, possible present. These mostly include air but require investigation confirmation, appearing historical records (ie 1990) may longer used, unable available. All individually detailed Appendix B C. fauna very unique position. Not only there immense amount habitat holds large populations species, area remote has subject pressures associated human populations. Although this likely remain case short term, it expansion Australia see targeted development stage more distant future. eventuality we must prepared. We ensure security before problems arise.