Shorebirds Plan Issues

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Issues to consider in the development of a

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION PLAN
FOR
MIGRATORY SHOREBIRDS

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SUMMARY ...........................................................................................................1

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................2

What is a Wildlife Conservation Plan?..............................................................4

Legislative issues to be considered..................................................................6
1. Objectives.................................................................................................................... 6
2. Criteria against which the achievement of the objectives can be measured .............. 7
3. Actions identified to achieve the objectives .............................................................. 10
4. Identification of habitats and actions needed to protect those habitats. .................. 12
5. Identification of interests that may be affected by the plans implementation.......... 17
6. Identification of organisations and persons involved in implementing and evaluating
the performance of the plan.......................................................................................... 20
7. Specification of major benefits to migratory species, marine species, species of
cetacean or conservation dependant species (other than those to which the plan
relates) that will be affected by the plans implementation. ......................................... 22

Some other issues to be considered. .............................................................23
Which species should the plan cover? .......................................................................... 23
The layout of the Plan................................................................................................... 26
Indigenous issues .......................................................................................................... 27
Population Monitoring and Research Priorities .......................................................... 28

Acknowledgements ..........................................................................................31

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms...................................................................32

References ........................................................................................................33

Appendix A - Background Information ...........................................................34

Appendix B - Migratory shorebirds in Australia.............................................42

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SUMMARY

Migratory species, including shorebirds, which visit Australia, received national
protection as a matter of national environmental significance when the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) took effect in July 2000.
Under the Act, wildlife conservation plans can be prepared to provide for the research
and management actions necessary to support the survival of listed migratory species.
The Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage is preparing a
Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds in consultation with relevant
stakeholders. The aims are to provide a strategic framework for the management of
migratory shorebirds and to outline national activities to support flyway initiatives
including the Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian
Australasian Flyway.
This will be the first wildlife conservation plan developed under the EPBC Act and as
such, the Department of the Environment and Heritage is keen to consult as broadly and
comprehensively as possible, in order to produce a plan that is robust and contributes
positively to the protection and conservation of migratory shorebirds.
This issues paper is the first step in developing the plan. The purpose is to provide
background on migratory shorebirds, outline the statutory and legal requirements of a
wildlife conservation plan and to stimulate discussion and seek feedback from interested
stakeholders.
This issues paper addresses topics relevant to the conservation of migratory shorebirds,
including habitat protection, species prioritisation, education, awareness and capacity
building. The paper also provides options for the format of the plan. It provides an
important opportunity for all stakeholders to participate in the development of the draft
plan.
We encourage you to get involved and provide your comments by 1 August 2004, to
Vicki Cronan, by email at Vicki.cronan@deh.gov.au or by mail to the Migratory and
Marine Species Section, Department of the Environment and Heritage, PO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601.

Further copies of this issues paper are available for downloading from the DEH website
at: http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/migratory/shorebirds/issues/index.html .

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INTRODUCTION
Migratory shorebirds fly many thousands of kilometres
from their breeding grounds to their non-breeding
grounds, generally flying from one hemisphere to another
and back again in a single year. The East Asian-
Australasian Flyway stretches from the breeding grounds
of Siberia and Alaska southwards through east and south-
east Asia, to the non-breeding grounds of Australia and
New Zealand.
There are some 36 species of migratory shorebirds that regularly visit Australia during
their non-breeding season from spring to autumn. Several other species also visit
intermittently. Australias coastal and freshwater wetlands are critical to these migratory
shorebirds during the non-breeding season as places to rest and feed, so birds can build
enough energy reserves to travel the long distance (up to 13,000km) back to their breeding
grounds. In the month or two before migratory shorebirds head north many species need
to increase their bodyweight by up to 70% to sustain their journey.

There is a growing need to conserve shorebirds and minimise the threats to the habitats
critical to their survival in the face of ever increasing human development across the
world. Efforts to conserve migratory shorebirds in one country can only be effective with
the cooperation and complementary actions of all countries in a species migration path.

Governments and conservation groups have undertaken some major projects relating to
migratory shorebirds and their habitats, including the Australasian Wader Studies Group
population count and colour flagging programs which have been operational for many
years and have been successful due to the large number of volunteers that have contributed
to these projects. Additionally, the Shorebird Conservation Project, currently being
undertaken by a consortium of non-government conservation groups across Australia, is
engaging communities in conservation activities at priority sites for migratory shorebirds.
This important work for the conservation of migratory shorebirds in Australia and the East
Asian Australasian Flyway is primarily funded by the Australian Government through
the Natural Heritage Trust.

Through the variety of research and volunteer programs that have been carried out, there is
a strong baseline of information on migratory shorebirds throughout Australia. However,
much remains unknown and it is important to sustain research and monitoring activities in
order to detect significant changes in shorebird populations. Whilst there is a strong
network between many of the conservation groups who have an interest in migratory
shorebirds, there may be many projects that would benefit from a coordinated system of
communication and information exchange.

A Wildlife Conservation Plan for Migratory Shorebirds should contribute to a more
coordinated approach to future research, monitoring and communication between

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Governments, conservation groups and industry and would ensure future conservation
measures are strategic and complement each other.

It is envisaged that the wildlife conservation plan will describe existing programs and
conservation measures and identify future research and management needs to ensure the
long-term survival of, as well as minimise the impact of the threats to migratory shorebirds
and their habitats.

Some of the challenges of the plan will be to develop a framework that will:
! Educate, inform and influence community attitudes towards migratory shorebirds
! Identify priority or key species and research activities
! Identify important habitat sites for migratory shorebirds
! Achieve a consistent, national method for estimating population size
! Provide a framework for research, monitoring and capacity building activities on a
national/international level
! Promote the wise use of the wetland habitats on which migratory shorebirds depend

The purpose of this issues paper is to stimulate discussion and seek feedback from
interested stakeholders to inform the development of a draft wildlife conservation plan for
migratory shorebirds. The paper is divided into 3 sections:

1. What is a wildlife conservation plan this section sets out the legislative
requirements of the plan
2. Legislative issues to be considered Including objectives, actions of the plan, and
identification of habitat.
3. Other issues to be considered.

Annexed to the issues paper is a background document which attempts to summarise the
existing international and domestic conservation measures already in place for migratory
shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway. The wildlife conservation plan will
aim to build upon these existing measures by providing a formal framework for future
conservation actions.

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What is a Wildlife Conservation Plan?

A wildlife conservation plan sets out the research and management actions necessary to
support survival of migratory species listed under the Environment Protection and
Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the Act).
Australia is already involved in a wide range of activities that promote the conservation of
migratory shorebirds, both here and across the flyway. Developing a Wildlife Conservation
Plan for Migratory Shorebirds will provide a strategic framework that will aim to ensure
these activities plus future research and management actions, remain focused on the long-
term survival of migratory shorebirds and their habitats. A review of the plan must take
place at intervals of not longer than 5 years, however the Minister may review a wildlife
conservation plan at anytime and consider whether a variation is necessary.

The Act specifies that the content of any plan must include:
1. Objectives to be achieved,
2. Criteria to which the achievement of those objectives can be measured,
3. Actions needed to achieve the objectives,
4. Identification of habitats and actions needed to protect those habitats,
5. Identification of interests that may be affected by the plans implementation,
6. Identification of organisations and persons involved in evaluating the performance of
the plan,
7. Specification of any major benefits to migratory species (other than those to which the
plan relates) that will be affected by the plans implementation.

As the above points must be included in the plan, this issues paper provides a section on
each point. In each section options are provided and questions are posed. These options
do not necessarily define the scope of the plan, rather they are designed to stimulate
discussion and seek your views. We would be grateful for your input to the development
of the plan by addressing these questions, and where appropriate, offering other
suggestions for enhancing the content of the plan. In providing your input, you should
keep in mind the following issues which the Act specifies must be considered when
developing a wildlife conservation plan:

1. The objects of the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (these
are provided below)
2. The efficient and effective use of the resources that are allocated to migratory species,
3. Minimisation of significant adverse social and economic impacts,
4. Meeting Australias obligations under international agreements and conventions, and
5. The role and interests of indigenous people in the conservation of Australias
biodiversity.

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Objects of the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The objects of the Act are:
a) to provide for the protections of the environment, especially those aspects of the
environment that are matters of national environmental significance: and
b) to promote ecologically sustainable development through the conservation and
ecologically sustainable use of natural resources; and
c) to promote the conservation of biodiversity; and
d) to promote a co-operative approach to the protection and management of the
environment involving governments, the community, land-holders and indigenous
peoples; and
e) to assist in the co-operative implementation of Australias international
environmental responsibilities; and
f) to recognise the role of Indigenous people in the conservation and ecologically
sustainable use of Australias biodiversity; and
g) to promote the use of Indigenous peoples knowledge of biodiversity with the
involvement of, and in co-operation with, the owners of the knowledge.

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Legislative issues to be considered

1. Objectives

Introduction

Section 287 of the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, sets out
the legislative requirements of the content of Wildlife Conservation Plans. It states among
other things, that plans must state the objectives to be achieved.

The following objectives will not necessarily be included in the plan; rather they are
designed to seek your views and thoughts on the possible content of the plan. You may
wish to suggest completely different objectives or provide comments on the ones put forth.

Options

Some suggested objectives of the plan might include the following:

1. Provide a framework for existing and future management of migratory shorebirds
in Australia in accordance with global flyway objectives. (The Australian
Government is cooperating with countries throughout the Asia-Pacific region to
conserve waterbirds and their habitat under the Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird
Conservation Strategy and its current component the Action Plan for the
Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway
2001-2005, and is leading development of regional arrangements for migratory
waterbirds under the World Summit on Sustainable Development).

2. Inform managers of what is required to achieve the long-term survival of migratory
shorebirds, by identifying and supporting priority research and monitoring
programs.

3. Protect and conserve the wetland habitats on which migratory shorebirds depend,
through a coordinated approach to identification, research and management of sites
which are nationally and internationally important.

4. Increase awareness of the importance of conserving migratory shorebirds and their
habitats, through a strategic approach to community education and capacity
building.

Questions

Do the above objectives encompass the full range of goals that we aim to achieve?

If not, please suggest alternative or additional objectives.
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2. Criteria against which the achievement of the objectives can
be measured

Measuring the achievement of the objectives will be a complex, but important component
of the wildlife conservation plan. It will allow those responsible for evaluation to
determine the level of success of the plan. It will enable those implementing the plan to
identify gaps and inconsistencies and make recommendations for adjusting the actions in
order to meet the objectives.

Methods for establishing criteria to which achievement of objectives can be measured
could be qualitative or quantitative. The criteria may be focused on an overarching
statement or goal from the plan, assessing each objective individually or evaluating the
actions required to meet the objectives.

2.1. Overarching statement/criteria

Often management or recovery plans contain broad overarching qualitative criteria for
measuring the achievement of the objectives. In the case of migratory shorebirds such a
statement could look like populations of migratory shorebirds remain stable or increase
or reverse the decline of those species that are of high conservation concern. However,
as migratory shorebirds travels traverse many regions, oceans and countries across the
hemispheres, this approach may not be appropriate to a national plan for Australia. In
order to conserve shorebirds globally, actions in one country will only succeed if they are
complemented by conservation actions in other countries. In developing this plan, it is
important to be mindful that Australia has limited influence on the populations of
migratory shorebirds during their migration and breeding season. Therefore it would be
unwise to make overarching statements such as those outlined above, as, if the population
of a particular species were affected as the result of a major threat in another country, this
would erroneously indicate the failure of the plan in Australia. If an overarching
statement were to be used in order to measure the achievements of the objectives, it would
need to be limited to conservation of shorebird habitat in Australia and/or limited to the
populations of shorebirds in Australia at any one time. Such a statement could look like:

! Populations of migratory shorebirds entering Australia are maintained during any
one season by providing suitable habitat for them to rest and feed in order to
undertake the return migration to their northern hemisphere breeding grounds.

Statements such as this could be verified through existing programs such as the population
monitoring program that is currently carried out by the AWSG.

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2. 2 Criteria based on the Objectives

Alternatively, criteria could be established to measure the performance of the objectives
individually. Using the example objectives in section 1, this approach may be presented in
the following approach:

Objective 1

Provide a framework for existing and future management of migratory shorebirds in
Australia in accordance with global flyway objectives. (Currently the Action Plan for the
Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway 2001
2005)

Possible examples based on Objective1

As the Action Plan covers the years 2001 2005, the measurement of achieving this
objective could be as simple as:

# All actions pertaining to Australia outlined in the Action Plan implemented by the
date of expiry (for the current action plan this is December 2005), or
# All reasonable steps to implement the actions outlined in the Action Plan have been
taken.

Objective 2

Inform managers of what is required to achieve the long-term survival of migratory
shorebirds, by identifying and supporting priority research and monitoring programs.

Possible examples based on Objective 2

# Priority research and monitoring programs identified, agreed and implemented for
key species, or
# Efforts, including research and monitoring programs, to conserve migratory
shorebirds in Australia, and by Australia in other countries of the flyway, have been
implemented.

Objective 3

Conserve the wetland habitats of international and national importance on which migratory
shorebirds depend, through a coordinated approach to identification, research and
management of sites.

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# Important sites have management actions implemented or in the process of being
developed.
# The Shorebird Action Plan, Site Network approach to habitat conservation is
applied and activities to build the network are identified and implemented.

Objective 4

Increase awareness of the importance of conserving migratory shorebirds and their
habitats, through a strategic approach to capacity building and community education.


# Awareness of migratory shorebirds and their conservation needs are enhanced
among the public and decision makers.
# Natural Resource Management regional bodies incorporate migratory shorebird
conservation needs into their plans.

2.3 Evaluation of the actions

In the next section, the paper discusses the actions identified to achieve the objectives. A
number of suggested actions are put forth which relate to possible objectives. A third
quantifiable way of establishing criteria to measure the achievement of the objectives could
be to evaluate the implementation of the actions under the plan. Such a criteria could look
like:

Ninety percent of actions identified to achieve the objectives are successfully
implemented during the life of the plan.

You may find that this option becomes clearer after reading the relevant section Actions
Identified to achieve the Objectives.

Questions

1. Which of the above options for measuring the achievement of the objectives is
most appropriate?

2. If another, how would you establish criteria for measuring the achievement of the
objectives?
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3. Actions identified to achieve the objectives

I ntroduction

The Act specifies that actions must be identified to achieve the objectives. Many of the
actions identified below are already being carried out by Governments, non-Government
organisations and bird conservation groups and are producing strong conservation
outcomes. This plan will provide a framework which will enable such groups to maintain
this important momentum and build on existing measures in order to protect migratory
shorebirds for future generations to enjoy. A number of actions have been suggested
below that may provide a basis for meeting objectives.

1. Possible actions to support an objective based on global flyway objectives. Currently
the Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian
Australasian Flyway 2001 2005 (the Action Plan can be accessed from the following
website: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/mwp/2001-2005/sectiond.html)

! Support nomination of 25% of the sites of international importance for migratory
shorebirds in Australia to the Shorebird Site Network. (A component of the action
plan is the Shorebird Site Network. The network operates as a cooperative
environmental program, involving site management bodies and local communities,
working for the conservation of wetlands of international importance for migratory
shorebirds (Wetlands International 2003)).
! Develop and support training programs in population monitoring and wetlands
management for site managers and staff and general public.
! Support development and implementation of a consistent national method to
monitor shorebird populations.
! Support migration research.
! Support the development and ongoing maintenance of a database to collate
shorebird counts in the flyway.

2. Possible actions to support an objective relating to shorebird research and population
monitoring.

! Identify and agree priority/key species for research programs
! Identify and support research programs on conservation status, including
population estimates and species distribution for priority species.
! Identify ways to integrate research and enhance collaboration
! Support ongoing monitoring programs for all key species.

3 Possible actions to support an objective based on habitat conservation.

! Agree criteria for identification of sites of national and international importance.
! Collect and publish information on important habitat
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! Support the WSSD Type II regional partnership on migratory birds, through
nomination of wetlands of international importance to the site network for the
Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian
! Support nomination of wetlands of international and national importance for
inclusion on Ramsar and/or the national Directory.
! Support the development of management actions for wetlands of international and
national importance.
! Support research on feeding, roosting and breeding areas of migratory shorebirds.
! Identify ways to integrate research and enhance collaboration.
! Implement environment impact assessments to ensure impacts on shorebirds are
minimised.

4. Possible actions to support an objective based on education, awareness and capacity
building.

! Promote public and community education and conservation awareness, through the
development of strategic programs and educational products.
! Promote the exchange of information on shorebird conservation and habitat
management, between all levels of Government, NGOs and Community through
the use of networks, publications and web sites. This could be through the
development of a formal communication strategy. To ensure the ongoing success
of a communication strategy one organisation/agency would be required to
coordinate activities and act as the library, or conduit, for the exchange of
information.
! Support development of an action group/network to advise on implementation of
priority awareness and capacity building initiatives.

Questions

Are the actions identified adequate for each objective?

If not, what other actions would you recommend?

If you have identified other objectives, what actions would you include for them?
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4. Identification of habitats and actions needed to protect those
habitats.

I ntroduction

Shorebirds are particularly vulnerable to loss and modification of habitat. Their ability to
complete long flights depends on the availability of suitable habitat and the capacity of
those habitats to provide adequate food and roosts, so that birds can build enough fat
reserves to sustain their annual migration. Degradation of habitat may lead to deterioration
of the quantity and quality of food resources available to meet their requirements thus
putting shorebirds at a disadvantage during their migration. The identification and
protection of important habitat will therefore be a critical goal of the wildlife conservation
plan.

Shorebird habitat requirements vary greatly across the species of migratory shorebird (the
attached table at Appendix B provides more detail on migratory shorebirds that visit
Australia and their habitat preferences). One of the many complexities of migratory
shorebird life cycle is their tendency for site fidelity, generally returning to the same sites
year after year. Habitat of a certain type (eg. coastal mudflats at the mouth of a river),
although quite possibly suitable habitat to support shorebirds, may not be visited by
shorebirds in significant numbers, or at all. Therefore specific sites which support
significant numbers of shorebirds are as important, if not more so, than habitat type.

4.1 Identification of important habitat sites
As noted in the background information in Appendix A, much has been done to identify
and conserve important sites for migratory shorebirds, including nomination of sites as
wetlands of international importance under the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar
Convention), and inclusion in the shorebird site network under the Action Plan for the
Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway 2001-
2005. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, is an intergovernmental treaty which
provides the framework for national action and international cooperation for the
conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. More information on Ramsar
can be found on line at www.ramsar.org.
Both Ramsar and the shorebird site network have used the criteria supports 1% of the
population or regularly supports 20,000 or more birds of mixed species to determine
international importance of the site, and this should provide a useful guide when assessing
the relative importance of shorebird habitat under the wildlife conservation plan.

However, the criteria for determining an internationally important site may not be the only
criteria that influences whether a site is nationally important for shorebirds in Australia.
For example, the importance of a site nationally may be its use as a stopover for
continually transitional populations, so the number of birds using the site may be difficult
to calculate.

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Other factors may also include:

! the length of time the shorebirds spend at a site.
! the time of the season the birds spend there and the activity of the birds (resting,
feeding prior to migration).
! regional significance i.e. its proximity to other important habitats (Hunter estuary
for example, the most important site in NSW, is some distance from other
important sites)
! whether it is an important habitat for juvenile shorebirds that do not migrate north
for the breeding season.
! the location of the site and its condition (pristine wetlands vs degraded wetlands).

Another issue regarding important habitat is the degree of importance of areas within sites.
For example a large area may be considered internationally or nationally important site, but
within that site there may be more valuable areas than others, such as regular roosting and
feeding areas for the shorebirds that depend on the site. In promoting the wise use of
wetlands it may be pertinent to protect such areas from development and recreational
activities that may disturb the birds, but allow these activities within the boundary of the
site in other areas.

A possible action of the wildlife conservation plan, could be to undertake further research
to establish criteria to determine a hierarchy of levels of significance of important sites
internationally, nationally, regionally and at the site level itself, identify important sub-
sites.

Questions I dentification of important habitats

1. How should national significance of sites be defined? Eg is the criterion,
supports 1% of the national population of a animal taxa, appropriate for
determining habitat of importance to migratory shorebirds in Australia?

2. If not, what do you think should be included in the criteria?

Which sites will the Plan include?
Some potential inclusions in the plan:
! Ramsar listed sites that are listed for their importance to migratory shorebirds. The
Ramsar database can be accessed from the following URL:
http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/index.html
! Nationally listed sites on the Directory of Wetlands that are listed for their
importance to migratory shorebirds. This database can be accessed from the
following URL: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/index.html
! Australian sites included on the flyway site network under the Action Plan for the
Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway.
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More information on these sites can be accessed from the following website:
http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/mwp/guidelines/index.html
! Sites of international and national importance as identified in the Wetlands
International Report. (Wetlands International and Birds Australia have been
preparing a report on shorebird population estimates and important sites in
Australia. They are in the final consultation stages of this report and a copy of the
draft can be accessed from the following website: http://www.wetlands-
oceania.org/)

Questions Habitat

1 Which of the above habitat sites do you think should be included under the plan?

2. If other, what is your suggestion?

4.2 Actions needed to protect habitats

Existing measures
The Department of the Environment and Heritage maintains the Australian Wetlands
Database with information from State and Territory conservation agencies. This provides
online access to the most recent information on Australia's Ramsar sites and Directory
wetlands, our internationally and nationally important wetlands respectively. The database
can be accessed at: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/index.html
For Ramsar wetlands in a State or Territory, the EPBC Act requires that the Australian
Government must use its best endeavors to ensure that a management plan is prepared and
implemented in cooperation with the relevant State or Territory. The management plan
must be consistent with Australia's obligations under the Ramsar Convention and with the
Australian Ramsar Management Principles. The principles are set out in the regulations of
the EPBC Act and cover matters relevant to the preparation of management plans, the
environmental assessment of actions that may affect the site, and community consultation
processes.
The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia contains over 800 sites. Among the
criteria for inclusion of wetlands on the Directory, two could relate to waterbirds. They
are:
! it is a wetland which is important as the habitat for animal taxa at a vulnerable
stage in their life cycles, or provides a refuge when adverse conditions such as
drought, prevail, and
! it is a wetland that meets the criteria of supporting 1% or more of the national
populations of any native plant or animal taxa.
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Wetlands listed on the Directory are managed in accordance with the Wetlands Policy of
the Commonwealth Government of Australia. The policy can be accessed from the
following URL: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications/policy.html
Future measures
Threats to migratory shorebirds in Australia are greatest in coastal zones. Approximately
80% of Australians live in cities or local councils abutting the coast and around 25%
currently live in within 3 kilometres of the coast. Threats to shorebirds are set to intensify
with increasing pressure on Australias coastal areas. (Priest, Straw and Weston 2002)
A Coastal Policy Framework which addresses biodiversity conservation in the face of
increasing pressure on our coastline has been developed and endorsed by the Natural
Resource Management Ministerial Council. Copies of the framework can be accessed
from the following website:
http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/information/pubs/framework.pdf
An implementation plan for the framework is currently being developed and should be
finalised by the end of 2004.

Through a collaborative effort of all levels of government, conservation groups and
industry, the wildlife conservation plan for migratory shorebirds will aim to protect
important migratory shorebird habitat through a range of activities including appropriate
legislation and policy frameworks, development and implementation of effective site
management actions, communication tools, and community education and awareness
programs. It will provide information to those with jurisdictional responsibility for
managing important sites the value of conserving migratory shorebirds.
Effective Management actions
Ideally, management actions should be developed for each of the internationally and
nationally important sites covered by the plan. Depending on how many sites are included
in the plan, this could take a great deal of time and resources. A method for prioritising
habitats of importance could be undertaken as part of the recommendations of the plan.
Once habitats are prioritised there could be recommended timelines for developing
effective management strategies.

Questions Management actions

1. How should we prioritise habitats for the purpose of developing effective
management strategies?
! by the criteria for listing - that is the number of migratory shorebirds it
supports?
! do we focus on protecting wetlands that are in pristine conditions or restoring
those that are degraded and in need of rehabilitation, or attempt some
combination of both?
! do we prioritise habitat by biodiversity food and carrying capacity?
! by the level of threat to the habitat?
! regional importance?
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! Conservation status
! All or some of the above?
! Others, (please specify)

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5. Identification of interests that may be affected by the plans
implementation

I ntroduction

Many interests may be affected by the plans implementation. One of the aims of this
issues paper is to identify these interest groups and elicit responses on how the plan may
affect them. This may also be a good opportunity to look at measures that may be taken by
these interest groups to contribute to the plans implementation and if the plan has a
negative impact on a group, how that impact may be mitigated to the mutual satisfaction of
all involved.

How stakeholders are affected and how they can contribute to the plan?

The following table lists some of the interest groups, how they could contribute to the
success of the plan and the potential impacts that may emerge from the plans
implementation:

Interest Group Contribution Impacts/Benefits
Australian Government

Responsible for developing,
coordination and evaluation
of the plan.
Responsible for
implementation of the plan
in Commonwealth areas.
Providing financial support
for implementation of the
plan.
Informed decision making
regarding the EPBC Act referral
and assessment process.
Greater ability to deliver on
domestic and international
obligations with regard to
migratory shorebird conservation.
Increased knowledge of migratory
shorebirds and their habitats
increased exchange of
information.

State and Territory Government
agencies
Contributing to the
development of the plan.
Responsible for
within jurisdictional
boundaries.
Greater ability to deliver on state
information.
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Local Government Contributing to the
development of the plan and
taking the plan into
consideration when
reviewing planning schemes
Responsible for
implementation of on
ground activities within
jurisdictions.
information.
Enhanced ability to deliver
Natural Resource Management
(NRM) regional bodies
Integrating the plan into
NRM regional plans.
Increased awareness of regional
importance of important habitat
sites. Informing managers of
shorebird values.
Opportunity to seek funding for
conservation projects under the
NHT.
Land councils and Traditional
Owners
Including those that have co-
management or sole
management responsibilities for
important habitats.
Contributing to the
development of the plan and
development and
implementation of site
management plans
research and monitoring
activities contributing
traditional knowledge.
information.
conservation projects and achieve
ownership of projects.
Develop research partnerships
with scientists.
Conservation Groups

Contributing to the
implementation and
evaluation of the plan,
particularly in conducting
research and monitoring
programs implementing
on ground activities.
conservation and awareness
projects.
Greater coordination of targeted
conservation projects.

Bird lovers/watchers

Interest groups

Contributing to the plan and
volunteering for
conservation activities
implementing on ground
activities.
More birds to enjoy.
Researchers

Contributing to the
implementation and
evaluation of the plan.
Increased exchange of information
opportunity to seek funding for
research.
Opportunity to establish
collaborations.
19
Recreational users of sites
beach users, 4wd groups,
personal watercraft (jet skis etc)
users, recreational fishers, horse
groups, field and game groups.

Contributing to the
development of the plan.
Some leisure activities that affect
important habitat sites may need
to be managed.
These groups will be one of the
main recipients for education and
awareness activities that focus on
how they may continue their
activities and contribute to the
conservation of migratory
shorebirds at the same time.
Landholders

Contributing to the
development and
Potential land use impacts. These
groups will be the target of
education and awareness
activities. Particularly on how site
management plans may be
implemented by landholders.
Opportunity to build incentives
into the plan for landholders to
comply with recommendations.
Enhance certainty with regard to
EPBC referrals.
Commercial users of sites or
surrounding area aquaculture,
salt mining, peat mining,
commercial fisheries, farmers
(surrounding land use), airports,
maritime ports, wind farms

Contributing to the Plan and
implementing measures that
minimise the impact of their
operations on migratory
shorebirds.
These groups will also be one of
the main recipients for education
and awareness activities, although
theirs will focus on minimising
the impacts of their operations on
migratory shorebirds and the
habitats on which they depend.
Enhance certainty with regard to
EPBC referrals.

Questions

1. Are you aware of any other groups that may be affected by the implementation of
the plan?

2. Do you agree with the general responsibilities of each group?

3. If not, how would you define the responsibilities of each group?

4. Which of these stakeholder groups will be most affected by the plan and how?

20

6. Identification of organisations and persons involved in
implementing and evaluating the performance of the plan

I ntroduction

In order to ensure the plan remains relevant, a regular review must take place. Through
evaluation of the plan priority actions can be identified that will contribute to the ongoing
success of shorebird conservation activities. Under Section 294 of the EPBC Act, a review
of the plan must take place at intervals of not longer than 5 years, however the Minister for
the Environment and Heritage may review a wildlife conservation plan at anytime and
consider whether a variation is necessary.

Evaluation

How and when the evaluation needs to occur is the subject of this section. Outlined below
is a list of organisations/individuals that may have a role in evaluating the plan, and a
number of options for how the evaluation may take place. These options concentrate on
the establishment of a group or network to evaluate the performance of the plan. The role
of such a group would be to provide advice to the Commonwealth on matters relating to
enhancing implementation of the plan, such as:
! Species and habitat prioritisation
! Research priorities
! Priority awareness and capacity building initiatives

Possible Organisations or Persons

! Department of the Environment and Heritage those areas with responsibility
for relevant functions such as Wetlands, Migratory Species, Coastal issues and
EPBC Referrals and Assessments.
! Other Commonwealth Agencies Department of Defence, Department of
Transport and Regional Services.
! State/Territory representatives conservation, environment protection and
Fisheries Agencies.
! Local Government environment representatives from councils with
significant sites - peak bodies, Environment Resource Offices
! Industry representation fisheries/aquaculture, port authorities, airports
! Non Government Organisations Wetlands International, Birds Australia,
AWSG, WWF, MCCN
! Indigenous Land Councils Cooperative Management representatives
! Beach User groups 4wd clubs, game and fishing groups,
! Scientists experts in the field
21

Possible method for evaluating the plan.

Establish a working group or network made up of relevant stakeholders to monitor and
evaluate the performance of the plan and advise on future research and management
actions necessary to meet the objectives. The group could meet annually with inter-
sessional work conducted by email and phone as much as possible. The Department of the
Environment and Heritage could provide secretariat support for the working group. Terms
of Reference for the group would need to be established as part of the wildlife conservation
plan.

Implementation

The successful implementation of the plan will only happen through a combined effort of
all the organisations or persons identified above. Only then can we capture existing
knowledge, build on this knowledge and identify the actions needed to contribute to the
conservation of migratory shorebirds. The plan should maintain a strong focus on the links
between these bodies and how to meet the objectives of the plan.

One option to drive implementation of the plan is to use the above working group to also
advise on implementation issues.

Questions

1. Can you think of any other organisations or persons that could be engaged in an
evaluation process?
2. Are there other options that could be considered?
22

7. Specification of major benefits to migratory species, marine
species, species of cetacean or conservation dependant species
(other than those to which the plan relates) that will be affected
by the plans implementation.

There are a number of major benefits to species other than migratory shorebirds, that will
result from implementation of the wildlife conservation plan, including:

! Some migratory seabirds may benefit from the implementation of a wildlife
conservation plan for migratory shorebirds. For example, the Little Tern (Sterna
albifrons), listed as endangered under State threatened species legislation in NSW
and Tasmania, shares similar habitats to migratory shorebirds and would therefore
benefit from habitat management actions.

! Crocodiles in Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland may share
habitat with migratory shorebirds and may therefore benefit from habitat
management actions.

! Coastal and freshwater wetlands serve as nurseries for many species of fish and
aquatic invertebrates. As much of the wildlife conservation plan will focus on
identifying and developing effective management strategies for important habitats
there will also be major conservation benefits for those marine species that share
habitats with migratory shorebirds.

! Although it is not a legislative requirement to specify benefits to non-migratory
shorebirds, there are eighteen species of resident shorebirds including the Banded
Stilt, Hooded Plover and Pied Oystercatcher that share many habitats and
characteristics with their migratory relatives and thus would also gain major
benefits from the plans implementation.

Questions

1. Can you identify any more major benefits to other migratory, marine, cetacean or
conservation dependant species that will be affected by the plans implementation?

23
Some other issues to be considered.

Which species should the plan cover?

I ntroduction

Australias coastal and freshwater wetlands play an important role for some 36 species of
migratory shorebirds that regularly arrive for the non-breeding season (spring autumn).
They are also important for up to 21 species of vagrant shorebirds that may visit Australia
in varying degrees of abundance, as well as provide habitat for many resident shorebirds.

Resident shorebirds are not included in the migratory species list of the EPBC Act,
therefore the plan can not include these species. The plan will however have some positive
impact on these species as these birds share habitat and some characteristics with
migratory shorebirds.

The EPBC Act list of migratory species is derived from international agreements to which
Australia is a party, namely the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), the Japan
Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the China Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement (CAMBA).

There are 44 species of migratory shorebirds listed to the species level (Table 1 below lists
these species). Currently the list includes 36 species of migratory shorebirds that regularly
visit Australia, 7 species of vagrant visitors and 1 species (the Painted Snipe) which, since
the time of listing has been determined to be a resident species and is in the process of
being removed from the migratory list.

The question arises as to how the plan deals with the other 14 species of vagrant shorebirds
(Table 2 lists these 14 vagrant species). The EPBC list of migratory birds uses the higher
taxa listings from CMS in the following way all species in the family Charadriidae for
which Australia is a Range State and all species in the family Scolopacidae, including the
sub-family Phalaropodinae, formerly listed as the family Phalaropodidae, for which
Australia is a Range State. Even though these 14 species all belong to the above-
mentioned families, Australia is not considered a range state, as they have not been
recorded in high enough numbers to be considered regularly visiting Australia, and
therefore they are not included in the EPBC list. In developing this plan we need to be
mindful that this may not necessarily be or remain the case, as threats to shorebird habitats
increase in other countries of the flyway, these 14 vagrant species may potentially become
more reliant on Australia to provide suitable habitat. Additionally, the fact that these
species have not been recorded in high enough numbers does not mean that they do not
visit in high numbers. They may, for example be found in significant numbers in remote
areas that are not monitored.

24
Options for which species to include in the plan

1. Have just the 36 species of regular migratory shorebirds included in the plan.
Obvious conservation benefits would flow to the vagrant species as they share
habitat and characteristics with the regular migratory shorebirds.

2. Have a plan that includes the 44 species currently listed on the EPBC Act. This
will become 43 as painted snipe is removed from the list.

3. As per option 2, with an additional provision that, should any of the 14 vagrant
species not already included on the list become more apparent, a monitoring
program for those species should be a priority.

Table 1 Migratory Shorebirds Listed under the EPBC Act.
Scientific Name
1
Common Name
1

Scolopacidae
2
Sandpipers
Gallinago hardwickii Latham's Snipe
Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe
Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe
Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed Godwit
Numenius minutus Little Curlew
Numenius phaeopus Whimbrel
Numenius madagascariensis Eastern Curlew
Tringa totanus Common Redshank
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper
Tringa nebularia Common Greenshank
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper
Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper
Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper
Heteroscelus brevipes Grey-tailed Tattler
Heteroscelus incanus Wandering Tattler
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone
Limnodromus semipalmatus Asian Dowitcher
Calidris tenuirostris Great Knot
Calidris canutus Red Knot
Calidris alba Sanderling
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint
Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint
Calidris bairdii Baird's Sandpiper
Calidris melanotos Pectoral Sandpiper
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Calidris alpina Dunlin
Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper
Tryngites subruficollis Buff-breasted Sandpiper
Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed Sandpiper
Philomachus pugnax Ruff
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope
Phalaropus fulicaria Grey Phalarope
25
Rostratulidae Painted Snipe
Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe
Charadriidae
2
Plovers and Lapwings
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden Plover
Pluvialis squatarola Grey Plover
Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover
Charadrius bicinctus
3
Double-banded Plover
Charadrius mongolus Lesser Sand Plover
Charadrius leschenaultii Greater Sand Plover
Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover
Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover
Glareolidae Pratincoles
Glareola maldivarum Oriental Pratincole

1
Taxonomy follows Christidis and Boles (1994) and updates, where necessary, outdated
taxonomy used in the JAMBA and CAMBA.
2
Families listed under the Convention on Migratory Species.
3
Species which migrates between Australia and New Zealand not along the East Asian

Table 2 Vagrant migratory shorebird species that are not on the EPBC list at the species
level, but do visit Australia.
Scientific Name Common Name
Charadriidae Plovers and Lapwings
Charadrius alexandrinus Kentish Plover
Pluvialis dominica American Golden Plover
Scolopacidae Sandpipers
Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper
Limosa haemastica Hudsonian Godwit
Tringa flavipes Lesser Yellowlegs
Calidris minuta Little Stint
Hydrophasianus chirurgus Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Limnodromus griseus Short-billed Dowitcher
Haematopus finschi South Island Pied Oystercatcher
Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank
Calidris himantopus Stilt Sandpiper
Bartramia longicauda Upland Sandpiper
Calidris fuscicollis White-rumped Sandpiper
Phalaropus tricolor Wilsons Phalarope

Questions

1. Which option do you prefer?

2. If none, what species do you think the plan should include?

26

The layout of the Plan

It is important that the plan recognises the important work that is already being done by
many conservation groups and non- government organisations, and builds on these actions
so that it will lead to real conservation outcomes for migratory shorebirds.

It is proposed that the plan will be concise and targeted. The plan would call for actions to
produce satellite documents that would inform implementation and management of the
plan. These documents could provide the basis for action, provide data based on best
information available, or offer specific criteria for how projects are managed under the
plan. Such documents could include:

! The action plan for the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the EA-AF
! Overview of population status of shorebirds in the EA-AF
! Maps of, and information on, significant sites for migratory shorebirds in Australia
! Population monitoring protocols
! Communication strategy
! Supplementary administrative guidelines on significance under the EPBC Act.

Some of the above documents already exist, some are being developed and some would
need to be supported under the plan. This layout would simplify and streamline the plan
and rely on best available information that can be updated without the need for legislative
amendments to the plan.

Questions

1. Do you prefer another approach if so, what approach would you take?
27

Indigenous issues

The Act specifies that in making a wildlife conservation plan, regard must be had to the
role and interests of Indigenous people in the conservation of Australias biodiversity.
Indigenous people attach great cultural and natural value to migratory shorebirds and their
habitats and have a long history of traditional use of these resources. Some Indigenous
communities have native title rights to land and resources of many sites significant to
migratory shorebirds. For example, Aboriginal land stretches some 75% of the Northern
Territory coastline of which there are up to 17 sites of international importance for
There are number of avenues currently available to engage Indigenous communities in
consultation and conservation activities under the EPBC Act and the Natural Heritage
Trust. Under the Act an Indigenous Advisory Committee (IAC) was established to advise
the Minister for the Environment and Heritage on the operation of the EPBC Act, taking
into account the significance of Indigenous people's knowledge of the management of land
and the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. The IAC have been invited to be
involved in the consultation process for the development of the wildlife consultation plan.
Under the Natural Heritage Trust, thirteen Indigenous Land Management Facilitators
around Australia provide a practical two-way link between Indigenous land managers and
other individuals and agencies involved in sustainable land management and nature
conservation activities. The goal of the Indigenous Land Management Facilitators Program
project is to encourage Indigenous communities to participate in Natural Heritage Trust
projects on land under their care, or in which they have an interest. More information on
Indigenous Land Management Facilitators can be accessed from the following website:
http://www.nrm.gov.au/indigenous/index.html
The wildlife conservation plan should recommend that Indigenous Land Management
Facilitators encourage Indigenous communities to identify projects relating to the
conservation of migratory shorebirds on land under their care, or which they have an
interest in, and to apply for funding under the Trust, particularly if the land includes sites
of international or national importance for migratory shorebirds.

28
Population Monitoring and Research Priorities

I ntroduction

Baseline information is required to prioritise and monitor management actions for
migratory shorebirds and their habitats. Through the variety of research and volunteer
programs that have been carried out, there is a good baseline of information on migratory
shorebirds and the habitats on which they depend throughout Australia. However, much
remains unknown and it is important to sustain research and monitoring activities in order
to detect significant changes in shorebird populations and their habitats. Without
scientifically robust information on population status and distribution, success or failure of
conservation actions cannot be assessed.

Population estimates
Population estimates are used to determine the importance of habitat areas and to monitor
changes over time. Monitoring populations therefore plays a vital role in informing the
plan. Monitoring of bird distributions and populations throughout the migration routes is
still less than comprehensive; thus knowledge of population sizes and trends of many
species are limited. There is a need to increase our knowledge and understanding of
population estimates and trends in Australia.
Estimating shorebird populations on a national basis is an extremely difficult and complex
task as there are hundreds of sites that support migratory shorebirds in Australia and
limited people (mainly volunteers) available to carry out the necessary monitoring required
to achieve robust estimations of populations. Coordination on a national basis would be
required in order to undertake a comprehensive monitoring program and would need the
support of government, conservation groups, researchers and a large volunteer workforce.

Which species?

There are 36 species of regular migratory shorebirds in Australia, it would be difficult to
collect thorough population data and maintain monitoring programs on each species for
many reasons, including:
! Different species or populations arrive at and leave sites at different times of the
year, making regular monitoring difficult to plan.
! Some species or populations may occur in remote sites that are difficult to access.
! The flocking nature of the species may make it difficult to count accurately.

To gather a full set of data on all species would require more frequent counts and would
require an enormous amount of resources. One option is to focus monitoring programs on
key species and sites in order to gather a data set that may provide some form of
representative data for all species.

29
Data Storage
An action of this plan could be to make a recommendation to review current
methodologies in estimating migratory shorebird populations and develop and agree a
consistent approach that can be used nationally year after year. This could increase
robustness of the data collected and facilitate better exchange of information.
There are four main global/regional and national computer-based databases that store
information on waterbirds and their habitats. They are:
! Database of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention on
Wetlands)
! Shorebird Database (Australian Wader Study Group AWSG)
! International Waterbird Census Database (Wetlands International)
! World Bird Database (BirdLife International)
The AWSG, Wetlands International and the Birdlife International databases are largely
based on aggregations of data collected by the AWSG. The issue of ownership and access
to these databases would need to be investigated.
The information from these databases could be used as a platform from which to base
decisions on future activities on population monitoring in Australia. The AWSG shorebird
database would most likely provide the most current and relevant information for Australia
as they currently undertake 2 regular population-monitoring exercises per year in spring
and autumn at some 20 30 sites of international importance. More frequent counts may
be carried out at some of these sites.
Maps of the internationally important sites for shorebirds in Australia will be an important
component of the plan and will be a major benefit to migratory species as they will assist
the Australasian Wader Studies Group to improve the quality of information in the
shorebird count database by using the maps to guide count activities. They will also
provide a basis for counters to record changes at count sites. These maps will also assist
decision makers in assessing referrals and developing policy under the EPBC Act, and in
identifying priority sites for funding through the Natural Heritage Trust programs.

Habitat
The complex life cycle of migratory shorebirds is such that to protect and conserve them,
consideration of the habitats on which they depend will be a significant element of the
plan.
There is a need to identify habitat research priorities. Habitat research could focus on such
things as:
Ways of quantifying the condition of habitat.
Location and extent of suitable habitat (mapping)
Effective monitoring and management of threats.
30
Effects on migratory shorebirds of loss or modification of habitat.
Effects of global climate change on habitat.
Effects of pollution on habitat.
Impacts of human disturbance and how to address disturbance.
Information on migration routes.
Important staging areas.
Carrying capacity within habtat.
Seasonal/annual usage of habitat.
Population changes.

Questions

If the plan includes the option to focus on key species, how should we decide which
species, for the purpose of monitoring, the plan includes?

Is there a need to develop and agree a consistent method for monitoring migratory
shorebirds nationally, or are the current methods sufficient?

There is a need to determine priorities for Australia. How do we do this do we collate the
information that has been collected to date and base decisions on the best information
available or do we set a timeframe that provides for further monitoring and research on
populations and conservation status?

Should the AWSG database be referenced as the best available information on shorebird
population estimates?
Is there a need to collect data and undertake research on migratory shorebirds in isolation
of their habitats or do we focus on species and their habitats together?
Do the research topics identified above capture some of the more important habitat
research priorities for the plan?
Can you suggest other important habitat research needs?

31
Acknowledgements

The Australian Government Department of Environment and Heritage would like to
acknowledge and thank the following contributors to this Issues Paper:

Wetlands International
Birds Australia
Australasian Wader Studies Group
NSW Wader Study Group
Qld Wader Study Group
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service
Marine Coastal and community Network
Victorian Department of Sustainability
Australian Government Department of Transport and Regional Services
Department of Conservation and Land Management Western Australia
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Parks Victoria
Mackay Conservation Group
World Wide Fund for Nature - Australia
Mornington Peninsular Council
Mallala Shire Council
Yorke Regional Development Board
Redcliffe Shire Council
Hunter Bird Observers Club
Victor McGrath Member of the Indigenous Advisory Committee -Torres Strait Islands
Northern Land Council
Port of Brisbane
Padaminka Nature Reserve
The Wetlands Centre
Ian May
Friends of Forrestdale
32
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

AWSG Australasian Wader Studies Group

CAMBA Agreement between the Government of Australia and the
Government of the People's Republic of China for the
Protection of Migratory Birds and their Environment

CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

EA-AF East Asian Australasian Flyway

EPBC Act Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

JAMBA Agreement between the Government of Australia and the
Government of Japan for the Protection of Migratory Birds in
Danger of Extinction and their Environment

Migratory Species Undertake annual migrations of thousands of kilometers,
generally flying from one hemisphere to another crossing
country boundaries.

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971)

Resident Species Remain in Australia year round (breeding and non-breeding
season), may travel moderate distances to find suitable habitat,
but they do not follow seasonal migration patterns.

ROKAMBA Republic of Korea - Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (note
this agreement is currently being developed and is expected
to be signed off in late 2004)

Shorebirds From the taxonomic order Charadriiformes (includes stints,
plovers, curlews, knots, snipes, godwits, avocets, stilts,
oystercatchers, pratincoles and some other species)

Shorebird Site Network The primary tool for implementing the Action Plan for the
Conservation of Shorebirds in the EA- AF is the Shorebird Site
Network which links internationally important shorebird sites
and their managers across the flyway.

Vagrant Spp Occasional migrants to Australia Australia is not necessarily
considered a Range state for these species.

33

References

Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy: 2001 2005 prepared by the
Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Committee. Available online at
http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/mwp/2001-2005/pubs/strategy.pdf

Shorebird Working Group of Wetland International Asia Pacific (2001), Action Plan for
the conservation of migratory shorebirds in the EA AF: 2001 2005

Bamford, M., Watkins, D. et al. in prep. Status overview of shorebirds and internationally
important shorebird habitats in the EA-AF. Wetlands International Oceania (draft
available online at http://www.wetlands-oceania.org/) -

Watkins, D. 1993. A National Plan for Shorebird Conservation in Australia. Australasian
Wader Studies Group, Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union and World Wide Fund
for Nature. RAOU Report No.90.

Priest, B., Straw, P. and Weston, M., Shorebird Conservation in Australia, Supplement to
Wingspan, Vol 12, No. 4, December 2002.

Rowe, M. (2002) Feathers, Flyways and Fastfood, (available online at
http://www.wetlands.org.au/shorebirds/index.htm )

Donaldson, G., Hyslop, C., Morrison, G., Dickson, L., Davidson, I. (2000) Canadian
Shorebird Conservation Plan, Canadian Wildlife Services.

34
Appendix A - Background Information

What we are currently doing about conserving Migratory Shorebirds in
Australia

Australia is the southern destination on the migration route for approximately 2 million of
the 5 million shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway (Bamford et al in prep).
Thirty-six of the fifty-four species of shorebirds in the flyway regularly visit Australia
arriving each year in our spring and spending the summer on coastal beaches, mudflats and
shallow inland lakes, before departing in the autumn on their migration up to 13,000km
north through the countries of East Asia to breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra of the
Russian Federation, Alaska and China (Watkins 1993).

Domestic Measures - Conserving Migratory Shorebirds in Australia

In order to meet our formal and informal obligations under the international arrangements
and provide for conservation of migratory shorebirds in Australia, migratory shorebirds are
afforded protection through Commonwealth, State/Territory and Local Government
initiatives.

Commonwealth Role

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), in force
from 16 July 2000, enhances the management and protection of Australia's listed migratory
species.

The EPBC Act recognises migratory species, including migratory shorebirds as a matter of
national environmental significance, along with Ramsar wetlands, nationally threatened
species and ecological communities. A key innovation of the EPBC Act is that it provides
for Commonwealth assessment and approval of actions that are likely to have a significant
impact on a listed migratory species. More information on the EPBC Act and matters of
national environmental significance can be accessed from the DEH website at
www.deh.gov.au .

The EPBC Act also provides for the development and implementation of wildlife
conservation plans. As a statutory plan under the EPBC Act, the Commonwealth must
take all reasonable steps to act in accordance with a wildlife conservation plan.

Investing in Migratory Shorebird Conservation through the Natural Heritage Trust

The Commonwealth Government has provided more than $2.5 million from the Natural
Heritage Trust over the past eight years for migratory shorebird conservation. The goal of
the Trust is to stimulate activities in the national interest to achieve the conservation,
sustainable use and repair of Australias natural environment.
35
Meeting Australias international obligations for migratory shorebirds is an objective of the
Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds Project under the Rivercare Program of the Trust.

Trust investment in shorebird conservation has focussed on:
! Supporting Australias international efforts to promote shorebird conservation in
the flyway, including core funding for the Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird
Conservation Strategy and the Action Plan for Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds
in the East Asian Australasian Flyway.
! Investing in activities under the JAMBA and CAMBA, including training and
capacity building for shorebird site managers in China.
! Supporting and promoting the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site
Network, including conducting training for site managers in Australia and production
of posters in the languages of the flyway.
! Encouraging community participation in shorebird conservation in Australia,
through grants to community groups to conserve habitats under the Shorebird
Conservation Project coordinated by World Wide Fund for Nature Australia.
! Collecting important information on shorebirds, including supporting the
Australasian Wader Studies Group in counting shorebirds, which is collated and
analysed on a national basis to identify important habitats, and developing and
implementing a Colour Flagging Protocol which promotes coordinated shorebird
migration research across the flyway (available on line at
http://www.tasweb.com.au/awsg/protocol.htm).
! Communication and Education products including poster and brochures (available
online at http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/publications/flyway.html), a
curriculum package titled Feathers, Flyways and Fastfood: Notes for Schools
(available online at http://www.wetlands.org.au/shorebirds/index.htm and A Year on
the Wing, an online interactive documentary available at www.abc.net.au/wing.

State/Territory

As well as the above Commonwealth measures, legislation in each of the States and
Territories enables the jurisdictions to collectively provide a national scheme of
environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. Many of Australia's listed
migratory species are protected cooperatively by the Commonwealth Government and
State governments, with relevant State agencies taking responsibility for on-ground
management in accordance with State legislation relevant to migratory species. Each State
and Territory in Australia has legislation that protects migratory shorebirds.

Developing the Shorebird Site Network in Australia

The Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments of Australia are working together to
increase the number of sites in the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network. In the
National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001-2005 (available online
at http://www.deh.gov.au/biodiversity/publications/objectives/index.html) the
Commonwealth, State and Territory governments have agreed to increase the number of
Australian sites in the Shorebird Site Network from the current 11 sites to 36 sites by 2005.
Bamford and Watkins (in prep) have identified around 150 internationally important sites
36
in Australia that could be nominated to the Site Network. Nominations are currently being
prepared for 10 of these sites.
Nationally Important Wetlands
State and Territories may list wetlands as Nationally Important in a Directory of Important
Wetlands in Australia. There are 851 wetlands identified as Nationally important
wetlands. A database of these wetlands has been established and can be accessed from the
following website: http://www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/database/index.html . The
Directory identifies important wetlands. It also provides a substantial knowledge base of
what defines wetlands, their variety and the dependence on them of many flora and fauna
species.
A wetland may be considered nationally important if it meets one of a number of relevant
criteria, including the following:
o The wetland supports 1% or more of the national populations of any native
plant or animal taxa.
To determine exactly how many of these wetlands were listed for reasons including their
importance specifically to migratory shorebirds would be very difficult to do without
reviewing the nomination information for each site, however a quick search would indicate
that at least 120 are important for shorebirds, although this may not necessarilly be

Local

Local Government has a key role to play in translating the policies of Commonwealth and
State Governments into on-ground projects. All Local Governments in Australia,
irrespective of their size or location, make a significant contribution to the management
and protection of Australias natural resources through policy development and
implementation of land use planning.
Local government use their position to:
! Regulate land use;
! Utilise available powers to influence community behaviour through implementing
biodiversity friendly regulations and planning provisions.
! Promote and demonstrate environmentally, ecologically and socially responsible
behaviour;
! Offer community education programs and staff training;
! Provide incentives for sustainable natural resource management on private land.
37

International Measures - Conserving Migratory Shorebirds across the Flyway

For nearly 30 years, Australia has played an important role in international cooperation to
conserve migratory birds in the East Asian Australasian Flyway (the Flyway). This work
started with formal migratory bird bilateral agreements between the Australian
Government and the Government of Japan and later the Peoples Republic of China.
Australias involvement has since grown to include regional cooperative action under the
Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy and most recently a partnership
initiative under the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Migratory Bird Bilateral Agreements

Bilateral agreements provide a formal framework for cooperation between two countries
on issues of mutual interest. Throughout the Asia Pacific region, there are currently 10
bilateral agreements relating to migratory birds. These are; Japan Australia, China
Australia, Japan China, Japan Russia, India Russia, Korea Russia, Korea D.P.R.
Russia, USA Russia, USA China, and USA Japan.

Australia currently has two bilateral agreements relating to conservation of migratory
birds, the Agreement between the Government of Australia and the Government of Japan
for the Protection of Migratory Birds in Danger of Extinction and their Environment or
JAMBA was made with Japan in 1974, while the Agreement between the Government of
Australia and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the Protection of
Migratory Birds and their Environment or CAMBA was made with the People's Republic
of China in 1986. The two agreements list terrestrial, water and shorebird species which
migrate between Australia and the respective countries. In both cases the majority of listed
species are shorebirds. Both agreements require the parties to protect migratory birds from
take or trade except under limited circumstances, protect and conserve habitats, exchange
information, and build cooperative relationships. The JAMBA agreement also includes
specific provisions for cooperation on conservation of threatened birds. Australian
government officials and non-government representatives meet every two years with their
Japanese and Chinese counterparts to review progress in implementing the agreements and
to explore new initiatives to conserve migratory birds.

In April 2002, Australia and the Republic of Korea agreed to develop a bilateral migratory
bird agreement similar to the JAMBA and CAMBA. The proposed agreement will
formalise Australias relationship with Republic of Korea in respect to migratory bird
conservation and will provide a basis to collaborate in the protection of migratory
shorebirds and their habitat.

JAMBA, CAMBA and the other bilateral agreements across the flyway have provided a
mechanism for pursuing conservation outcomes for migratory birds, including migratory
shorebirds. The bilateral nature of agreements does, however, limit their scope and ability
to influence conservation on a flyway scale. Australia has, therefore also sought to
encourage multilateral cooperation on migratory bird conservation.

38
Convention on Migratory Species

The Convention on Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, commonly known
as the CMS, is a global multilateral convention which aims to conserve migratory (avian,
marine and terrestrial) species over the whole of their range. The Convention provides a
framework within which Parties may act to conserve migratory species and their habitats
by:

1. Adopting strict protection measures for migratory species that have been
categorized as being in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant
proportion of their range (listed in Appendix I of the Convention);

2. Concluding agreements and arrangements for the conservation and management
of migratory species that have an unfavourable conservation status or would
benefit significantly from international co-operation (listed in Appendix II to the
Convention); and

3. Undertaking joint research and monitoring activities (CMS 2002).

Convention on Wetlands

Australia was one of the first 18 countries to become a signatory to the Convention on
Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 (http://www.ramsar.org). The Ramsar
Convention, as it is commonly known, is an intergovernmental treaty dedicated to the
conservation and wise use of wetlands.

The Ramsar Convention focuses on conservation of important habitats rather than species.
Parties are committed to identifying wetlands that qualify as internationally significant
against a set of criteria, to nominating these wetlands to the List of Wetlands of
International Importance (the Ramsar List) and to ensure the maintenance of the ecological
character of each listed Ramsar site. Among the criteria used to determine international
significance are two which relate to waterbirds:

Criterion 5: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it
regularly supports 20,000 or more waterbirds.

Criterion 6: A wetland should be considered internationally important if it
regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one
species or subspecies of waterbird.

Much has already been done to identify important habitats for Migratory Shorebirds in
Australia, including:

! Australia currently has 64 Wetlands of International Importance that cover a total
of approximately 7.3 million hectares. At least 29 of these sites (approx 4.7 Million
hectares) were listed for reasons including the specific criteria based on waterbirds.
Ramsar applies the following criteria for including sites that are important to
shorebirds:
39
o Sites that regularly support 1% or more of the individuals in a population of
one species or sub-species of shorebirds, or
o Sites that regularly support 20,000 or more shorebirds.

Asia Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy

In 1994, the Japanese and Australian governments organised an international workshop on
the Conservation of Migratory Waterbirds And Their Wetland Habitats in the East Asian-
Australasian Flyway under the auspices of the JAMBA. The workshop recognised that an
international migratory waterbird conservation strategy was needed for the region. The
workshop called for a strategy to be prepared that identified the major issues, outlined the
range of priorities for action, and set out a time table for implementation and evaluation
(Anon 1996).

The result was the Asia-Pacific Migratory Waterbird Conservation Strategy 1996-2000.
which was produced by Wetlands International and the International Waterfowl and
Wetlands Research Bureau-Japan Committee (Anon 1996). The development and
subsequent implementation of the Strategy, and its second iteration for the 2001-2005
period has received strong support from the Ministry of Environment, Japan, and the
Australian Government through the Natural Heritage Trust.

The Strategy for 2001-2005 outlines the following key elements to promote the
conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats:

1. Action plans for species-groups and globally threatened species.
2. Effectively managed networks of sites that are internationally important for
migratory waterbirds.
3. Raised awareness of waterbirds and their link to wetland values and functions
throughout the region and at all levels.
4. Increased capacity of government agencies and non-government organisations to
implement conservation actions for migratory waterbirds.
5. An enhanced knowledge base and increased information exchange for the sound
management of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.
6. Harmonised national and state policies and legislation as a foundation for the
conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitats.
7. Enhanced organisational relationships at all levels to increase cooperation and
deliver greater conservation benefits.
8. Adequate planning and resources to implement the Strategy (Asia-Pacific Migratory
Waterbird Conservation Committee 2001).

The Strategy has been very successful in promoting international cooperation and
increasing awareness of the need to work together to promote migratory shorebird
conservation. A number of international and national activities have been undertaken,
primarily through the implementation of regional migratory waterbird conservation action
plans for shorebirds, cranes and Anatidae (ducks, geese and swans), and the establishment
40
of three networks of sites of international importance for these species groups (Asia-Pacific
Migratory Waterbird Conservation Committee 2001).

Of the three action plans, the Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in
the East Asian-Australasian Flyway is of most interest to and strongly supported by
Australia, as a large proportion of shorebird populations in the Asia Pacific region visit
Australia during their non-breeding season. The cranes and Anatidae covered by the other
Action Plans do not regularly migrate to Australia.

Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in the East Asian Australasian
Flyway and the East Asian Australasian Shorebird Site Network

The action plan was developed to guide a regional program of key actions to conserve
migratory shorebirds. The primary tool for implementing the action plan is the East Asian
Australasian Shorebird Site Network which links internationally important shorebird
sites and their managers across the flyway to provide a framework for improved
management and increased public awareness and education activities. The action plan also
recognises the importance of a strong scientific base to guide decision making.

The Shorebird Site Network operates as a cooperative environmental program, involving
site management bodies and local communities, working for the conservation of wetlands
of international importance for migratory shorebirds (Wetlands International 2003). The
site network is supported by a Shorebird Flyway Officer working with Wetlands
International and funded by the Commonwealth Government through its Natural Heritage
Trust initiative.

The site network includes sites which regularly support >20,000 migratory shorebirds; or,
regularly support > 1 % of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of
migratory shorebird; or, support appreciable numbers of an endangered or vulnerable
population of migratory shorebird. Site managers in the flyway develop new site proposals
for addition to the Network and obtain endorsement from their governments.

As at May 2004, 33 sites had been nominated to the Network by 11 countries. Australia
currently has 11 sites. Wetlands International is currently preparing a report which
estimates the populations of shorebirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and, using
the Shorebird Site Network criteria, identify the internationally important sites of the
flyway (Bamford and Watkins, in prep). For the network to be successful, it needs to
include as many countries as possible and at least 25% of internationally important sites
across the flyway. At present the network includes approximately 10% of internationally
important sites. Australia is seeking to increase the profile of the network to ensure that
this target is reached.

Building the Network: the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Sites of International
Importance to Migratory Birds in East-Asia, South East Asia and Australasia partnership

At the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg, South Africa in
September 2002, Australia, Japan and Wetlands International co-sponsored a partnership
initiative titled Conservation and Sustainable Use of Sites of International Importance to
41
Migratory Birds in East-Asia, South East Asia and Australasia. The partnership provides a
cooperative framework for conservation of migratory waterbirds and their inland and
coastal habitats across the region. The partnership is guided by the Asia-Pacific Migratory
Waterbird Conservation Strategy and associated Action Plans for conservation of
Anatidae, cranes and shorebirds. The text of the partnership is available online at
http://www.johannesburgsummit.org/html/sustainable_dev/p2_managing_resources/2008_
conservation_migratory_birds.pdf.

The partnership focuses on implementing the network of sites concept and provides a
mechanism for governments of the flyway to formally engage in network activities that
does not exist under the informal arrangements of the Strategy. For this reason Australia
views the partnership as a useful mechanism for expansion of the site network across the
flyway. Australia and Japan hosted a workshop of officials from governments across the
flyway in Tokyo in November 2003 to further develop the partnership.

! A key element of the Action Plan for the Conservation of Migratory Shorebirds in
the East Asian-Australasian Flyway: 2001-2005 is the ongoing development of the
Shorebird Site Network. Currently there are 11 sites in Australia included in the
network. They are located at :
Parry Lagoons WA
Thomson Lake WA
Moreton Bay Qld
Kooragang Nature Reserve NSW
Corner Inlet VIC
Western Port VIC
Port Phillip Bay VIC
The Coorong SA
Orieleton Lagoon TAS
Logan Lagoon TAS
Kakadu National Park - NT

Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments have agreed to a target of 36 being listed
by December 2005. (National Objectives and Targets for Biodiversity Conservation 2001-
2005)

42
Appendix B - Migratory shorebirds in Australia

Scientific Name Common
Name
Breeding
Area
Habitat preference in
Australia
Characteristics Estimated
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Gallinago
hardwickii
Latham's Snipe Japan Inland and Coastal Plains
Soft moist ground or
shallow flooded areas
Birds tend not to
gather in large
flocks
Singularly or in
small loose groups
36,000 15,000 Lack of existing data -
no sites have been
identified as
internationally important
as the birds tend not to
travel in large flocks and
are highly mobile - this
does not mean
Australiaralia is not
important to the flyway
population
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Gallinago stenura Pin-tailed Snipe Arctic Tundra Freshwater wetlands on
coastal plains - from
dense grasslands to
sparsely vegetated
mudflats
Vagrant species.
Mainly seen in
NW WA
Birds migrate in
small flocks of 5 -
10
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Gallinago megala Swinhoe's Snipe Central Siberia,
Mongolia
Dense grasslands around
edges of fresh and
brackish water shallow
freshwater swamps and
near coastal freshwater
wetlands
birds tend to gather
in small loose
groups <25 but
occasionally in
favourable habitat
<200
25,000
100,000
Poorly
counted
species as
the habitat it
favours are
not well
surveyed
Listed under the
migratory
species list
43
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Limosa limosa Black-tailed
Godwit
Eastern Siberia,
Mongolia
Mainly coastal, usually
sheltered bays, estuaries
and lagoons with large
intertidal mudflats or
sandflats.
Gregarious, small
to large groups,
numbering
hundreds at
favourable roosting
sites
162,000 81,000 11 sites of international
importance identified
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Limosa lapponica Bar-tailed
Godwit
Northern
Siberia, Russia,
Scandinavia
mainly coastal, usually
sheltered bays, estuaries
and lagoons with large
sandflats.
Gregarious, small
to large groups,
numbering up to
1000s at
favourable roosting
sites
330,000 165,000 Listed under the
migratory
species list
Numenius minutus Little Curlew Central Siberia, coastal plains, grasslands forage in dispersed
flocks, congregate
to roost
180,000 7 sites of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Numenius
phaeopus
Whimbrel Siberia, Alaska Coastal mudflats and
mangroves
forage singularly
or small groups,
congregate in large
flocks to roost
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Numenius
madagascariensis
Eastern Curlew Russia, NE
China
coastal mudflats, sandy
spits
forage singularly
or small groups,
congregate in large
flocks to roost
migratory
species list
Tringa totanus Common
Redshank
Western
Europe
Not know to visit
Australia
65,000 Listed under the
migratory
species list
Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Eastern Europe
to Eastern
Siberia
coastal - Permanent or
ephemeral wetlands of
varying degrees of
salinity
occur singularly or
in small to large
groups
100,000
1,000,000
9,000 4 sites of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
44
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Tringa nebularia Common
Greenshank
Siberia, wide variety of inland
and sheltered coastal
wetlands - mudflats,
saltmarshes, mangroves
occur singularly or
in small to large
groups
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper Mongolia, N
China, Siberia
freshwater Wetlands singularly, pairs or
small flocks,
occasionally larger
flocks of 100s -
associate freely
with other waders
migratory
species list
Xenus cinereus Terek Sandpiper Russia, eastern
Europe
coastal - mainly saline
intertidal mudflats,
lagoons, sandbanks
singularly, pairs or
small flocks, roost
in small groups
with other waders
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Actitis hypoleucos Common
Sandpiper
Western
Europe, Eastern
Russia
wide variety of inland
and coastal wetlands -
varying levels of salinity
- muddy margins or rocky
shores
singularly or in
small groups
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Heteroscelus
brevipes
Grey-tailed
Tattler
Siberia sheltered coasts with reef
or rock platforms or
intertidal mudflats
usually in small
flocks and roost in
large numbers with
other waders
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Heteroscelus
incanus
Wandering
Tattler
Siberia, NW
Canada
rocky coasts - not
commonly seen in
Australia
solitary or in small
groups, will roost
communally, often
with grey tailed
tattlers
Listed under the
migratory
species list
45
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Arenaria interpres Ruddy Turnstone Northern
Siberia, Alaska
wide variety of habitats -
generally mudflats or
rocky coastline -
occasionally inland
waters
usually in loose
flocks of 20 - 100
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Limnodromus
semipalmatus
Asian Dowitcher Siberia, N
China Russia,
Mongolia
sheltered coastal
wetlands, mudflats,
sandflats, estuaries
gregarious, usually
in pairs of small
groups -
occasionally in
groups >100 at
favourable feeding
and roosting sites
23,000 530 1 site of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris
tenuirostris
Great Knot N Siberia coastal habitats, intertidal
mudflats and sandflats
gregarious, in
small to large
flocks often in
hundreds or
thousands at
favoured sites
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris canutus Red Knot Nth Siberia,
Alaska
intertidal mudflats,
sandflats, sandy beaches
of sheltered coasts
highly gregarious,
small to large
flocks, in
thousands at
favoured sites
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris alba Sanderling High arctic
regions -
Alaska,
Greenland,
Russia
mostly open sandy
beaches
gregarious, small
to large flocks - in
hundreds at
favoured sites
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
46
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Calidris ruficollis Red-necked Stint N Siberia,
Alaska
mostly coastal sheltered
inlets and estuaries with
intertidal mudflats -
ocassionally on ocean
beaches
gregarious, often in
dense flocks of
hundres to
thousands
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris subminuta Long-toed Stint Central to
Eastern Russia
terrestrial wetlands,
shallow freshwater or
brackish wetlands with
muddy shoreline
usually singly or in
pairs, sometimes in
larger flocks at
favoured sites
migratory
species list
Calidris bairdii Baird's Sandpiper Arctic Tundra dry terrestrial habitats and
grassy margins of
receding wetlands -
vagrant species in
Australia
vagrant species -
only seen singly in
Australia
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris melanotos Pectoral
Sandpiper
N Russia, N
America
shallow fresh to saline
wetlands usually coastal
regions
vagrant species -
usually solitary or
in pairs
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed
Sandpiper
NE Siberia muddy edges of shallow
fresh or brackish water
gregarious, small
groups to large
dense flocks (100s
-1000s)
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris alpina Dunlin Eurasia and N
America
sheltered coasts with
large mudflats
vagrant species -
only solitary
vagrants seen in
Australia
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Calidris ferruginea Curlew
Sandpiper
Arctic Tundra intertidal mudflats of
sheltered coastal areas -
occasionally inland
wetlands
gregarious, often in
large flocks
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
47
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Tryngites
subruficollis
Buff-breasted
Sandpiper
Alaska, Russia short dry open grasslands
occasionally swamps and
mudflats
vagrant species in
Australia - single
sightings only
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Limicola falcinellus Broad-billed
Sandpiper
Scandinavia,
Russia
sheltered coastal
wetlands, mudflats,
estuaries
usually seen singly
or in loose groups,
occasionally in
large groups at
favoured sites
25,000 8,000 1 site of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Philomachus
pugnax
Ruff N Europe usually terrestrial
wetlands with exposed
mudflats at edges
rare, but regular
visitor, mainly
seen singly, pairs
or small groups,
associate with
other small waders
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked
Phalarope
Arctic usually pelagic,
occasionally coastal
wetlands
vagrant,
gregarious, mainly
in tropical seas
100,000
1,000,000
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Phalaropus
fulicaria
Grey Phalarope Palaearctic
regions
usually pelagic,
occasionally coastal
wetlands
vagrant, singly or
small flocks
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Rostratula
benghalensis
Painted Snipe not considered
the same
species as the
one that occurs
in Asia
thick to open grasslands resident species Listed under the
migratory
species list
Pluvialis fulva Pacific Golden
Plover
N Siberia,
Alaska
mainly coastal, beaches,
mudflats and sandflats
usually small to
large loose groups
100,000 7,300 1 site of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
48
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Pluvialis
squatarola
Grey Plover N Siberia coastal, intertidal
mudflats, sandflats, sandy
beaches, rocky coastline
usually solitary or
small groups, roost
in large groups
often with other
waders
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Charadrius
hiaticula
Ringed Plover Greenland
Iceland
usually coastal, estuaries
with sandy beaches
vagrant -usually
solitary sightings
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed
Plover
N Africa,
Europe
shallow inland terrestrial
wetlands, freshwater to
saline
vagrant - usually
single sightings
migratory
species list
Charadrius
bicinctus
Double-banded
Plover
New Zealand littoral, estuarine and
fresh or saline terrestrial
wetlands, grasslands and
pasture
gregarious, small
loose groups and
roost in large
flocks rarely with
other waders
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Charadrius
mongolus
Lesser Sand
Plover
Central and NE
Asia
usually coastal, estuaries
and littoral environments
- sandflats and mudflats,
gregarious, small
to large flocks - in
hundreds at
favoured sites
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Charadrius
leschenaultii
Greater Sand
Plover
Siberia coastal wetlands,
sandflats, sandy beaches
gregarious, often
forming flocks
with lesser sand
plover
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Charadrius
asiaticus
Caspian Plover Eurasia Vagrant, single
specimens only
Listed under the
migratory
species list
49
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Charadrius veredus Oriental Plover Mongolia E
China
inland - grasslands, roost
on beaches or muddy
margins of terrestrial
wetlands
gregarious, small
to large flocks
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
Glareola
maldivarum
Oriental
Pratincole
China
Mongolia
open country often near
water, grassy flats and
mudflats
gregarious in small
to large flocks
(often thousands)
2,880,000 2,880,000 10 sites of international
importance
Listed under the
migratory
species list
The species below are not recorded in high enough numbers for Australiaralia to be considered a range state. Therefore they are not listed under the EPBC
Act.
Charadrius
alexandrinus
Kentish Plover Africa Europe sheltered coastline Vagrant
(questionable)
single specimen
reported

Not listed
Pluvialis dominica American
Golden Plover
Arctic tundra Vagrant species
records of
sightings in
Australia sketchy
(could be Pacific
Golden Plover

Not listed

Tringa ochropus Green
Sandpiper
N Eurasia terrestrial freshwater
wetlands
Vagrant species-
records sketchy

Not listed
Limosa haemastica Hudsonian
Godwit
Alaska, Canada coastal lagoons, shallow
freshwater lakes
Vagrant species,
singularly in
Australia

Not listed
Tringa flavipes Lesser
Yellowlegs
Alaska, Canada large range of inland and
coastal wetlands
Vagrant species
singularly recorded
in Australia

Not listed
50
Name
Breeding
Area
Australia
Flyway
Population
Estimated
Australian
Population
Importance of
Australia to
population
EPBC status
Calidris minuta Little Stint Scandinavia,
Russia
coastal or near coastal
wetlands, Mudflats,
sandflats
Vagrant species
recorded singularly
with other small
wader (particularly
red-necked stints)

Not listed
Hydrophasianus
chirurgus
Pheasant-tailed
Jacana
Indian
ubcontinent
lowland freshwater
wetlands
Vagrant species,
singles only
recorded

Not listed
Limnodromus
griseus
Short-billed
Dowitcher
Not recorded in
Australia

Not listed
Haematopus finschi South Island
Pied
Oystercatcher
NZ Not recorded in
Australia

Not listed
Tringa erythropus Spotted
Redshank
Scandinavia,
Russia
wetlands with sheltered
littoral habitats
Vagrant
Not listed
Calidris
himantopus
Stilt Sandpiper N Alaska shallow wetlands,
marshes, estuaries
Vagrant - recorded
singularly in
Australia

Not listed
Bartramia
longicauda
Upland
Sandpiper
Alaska, Canada semi-marine flats round
shell banks in harbour
Vagrant single
specimen only

Not listed
Calidris fuscicollis White-
rumped
Sandpip
er
Arctic Canada coastal lagoons, shallow
lakes and muddy pools
Vagrant recorded
singularly only

Not listed
Phalaropus
tricolor
Wilsons
Phalaro
pe
Canada mainly terrestrial
wetlands brackish to
freshwater swamps
Vagrant recorded
singularly

Not listed

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Shorebirds Plan Issues

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Issues to consider in the development of a

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