DOCSLIB.ORG

The Significance of Rubbish Tips As an Additional Food Source for the Kelp Gull and the Pacific Gull in Tasmania

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Significance of Rubbish Tips As an Additional Food Source for the Kelp Gull and the Pacific Gull in Tasmania The Significance of Rubbish Tips as an Additional Food Source for the Kelp Gull and the Pacific Gull in Tasmania by e.­ e--~'" (& G. M. Coulson, B.A. (Hans.), Dip.Ed. (Melb.) and .J~ R.I. Coulson, B .Sc., Dip.Ed. (Melb.) Being a thesis submitted in part fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Studies Centre for Environmental Studies University of Tasmania August, 1982 nl\, (l,_ '/ Cl-- \'\~'.2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are grateful to our supervisors, Dr. A.M.M. Richardson and Dr. J.J. Todd, and our external advisors, Mr. A.W.J. Fletcher and Mr. J.G.K. Harris, for their guidance in the preparation and planning of this thesis. Mrs. L. Ramsay typed the thesis. Mr. D. Barker (Tasmanian Museum, Hobart) and Mr. R.H. Green (Queen Victoria Museum, Launceston) gave us access to their gull collections. Mr. G. Davis assisted with the identification of chitons. Officers of the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service provided information, assistance, equipment and specimens, and officers of the Tasmanian Department of the Environment gave us information on tips. The cities and municipalities in south-east Tasmania granted permission to study gulls at tips under their control, and we are particularly grateful for the co-operation shown by council staff at Clarence, Hobart and Kingborough tips. Mr. R. Clark allowed us to observe gulls at Richardson's Meat Works, Lutana. CONTENTS ABSTRACT 1 1. INTRODUcriON 3 2. GULL POPULATIONS IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE 7 2.1 Population Increases 8 2.1.1 Population size and rates·of change 10 2.1.2 Growth of breeding colonies 13 2.2 Reasons for the Population Increase 18 2.2.1 Protection 18 2.2.2 Greater food availability 19 2.3 Effects of Population Increase 22 2.3.1 Competition with other species 22 2.3.2 Agricultural pests 23 2.3.3 Public health risks 24 2.3.4 Urban nesting 25 2.3.5 Aircraft bird-strikes 25 2.4 Future Trends 26 3. GULLS IN AUSTRALIA 32 3.1 The Silver Gull 34 3.1.1 Description and distribution 34 3.1.2 Feeding ecology 37 3.1.3 Status 38 3.2 The Pacific Gull 40 3.2.1 Classification 40 3.2.2 Description 41 3.2.3 Distribution 43 3.2.4 Behaviour 47 3.2.5 Diet 54 3.2.6 Reproduction 57 3.2.7 Population 59 3.2.8 Status 61 3.3 The Kelp Gull 63 3.3.1 Classification 63 3.3.2 Description 64 3.3.3 Distribution 69 3.3.4 Behaviour 76 3.3.5 Diet 83 3.3.6 Reproduction 84 3.3.7 Population 87 3.3.8 Status 90 4 0 BEHAVIOUR OF GULLS IN TASMANIA 92 4.1 Distribution of Gulls at Rubbish Tips 93 4.1.1 General survey method 93 4.1. 2 General survey results 96 4.2 Detailed Surveys of Large Tips and Shoreline Sites 104 in South-East Tasmania 4.2.1 Description of study sites 104 4.2.2 Method of gull survey 112 4. 2. 3 Temporal changes in gull numbers 113 4.2.4 Comparison of gull numbers at different 128 feeding sites 4.3 Behaviour at Tips and Shoreline Sites 132 4.3.1 General behaviour patterns 132 4.3.2 Intraspecific and interspecific dominance at tips 141 4.3.3 Feeding strategies at tips 145 50 MANAGEMENT OF LARGE GULLS IN TASMANIA 154 5.1 Ecological Impact of the Kelp Gull in Tasmania 155 5.1.1 The course of colonisation by the Kelp Gull 155 5.1.2 General implications of an increased Kelp 158 Gull population 5.1.3 Competition with Pacific Gulls 161 5.2 Possible Control Measures 163 5.2.1 Direct control 163 5.2.2 Habitat modification 165 5.3 Conclusions 169 6o REFERENCES 171 6.1 Publications 172 6.2 Personal Communications 190 APPENDIX 192 1 ABSTRACT r·lany species of gull have exhibited dramatic population increases, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere, in response to protection and to an increased supply of food provided by human activities. Population increases have been manifested by higher population densities as well as increases in range and the formation of ne\.; breeding colonies. This gra..;th has had a number of adverse environmental effects: gulls have disadvantaged other bird species and have become agricultural pests, public health risks, urban nuisances and aviation hazards. In Australia, the small Silver Gull (Larus novaehoZZandiae) has displayed a similar pattern of population growth. By contrast, the large endemic Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus) has experienced a reduction in range. A second large species, the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) has a circumaustral distribution; it has recently become established in Australia and is most numerous in south-east Tasmania. A review of the biology of the Pacific Gull and the Kelp Gull indicates that the two species have similar requirements and could be expected to compete for resources. This study examined the nature and extent.of competition for food, \'lith particular reference to the significance of rubbish tips as a food source for the t\.;o species. Gull numbers were monitored at 11 tips in northern Tasmania and 17 tips in south-east Tasmania during winter of 1981. Regular monitoring and detailed behavioural observations were conducted at three large tips and a number of representative shoreline feeding sites in the Hobart area. Tips \.;ere found to be an important food source for Kelp Gulls in Tasmania, and have probably contributed to their population growth. Pacific Gulls also utilize tips but to a lesser extent. Numbers of Pacific and Kelp Gulls were highly correlated with the human population served by the tips, but no relationship was detected between gull numbers and the distance of t.~e tips from water. Numbers of gulls at tips were highest in June and July then generally declined, but exhibited wide fluctuations •..;hich \•rere not strongly correlated with any of nine meteorological and tidal variables. Pacific Gulls of all ages \·rere dominant over Kelp Gulls in overt competition for food. Pacific Gulls utilized a predominantly kleptoparasitic strategy at tips while Kelp Gulls tended to forage steadily, 2 but overall the two species had equivalent feeding efficiencies. In general, Kelp Gulls showed a preference to feed at rubbish tips, whereas Pacific Gulls preferred shoreline sites. At some shoreline feeding sites adult Pacific Gulls defended winter feeding territories singly or in pairs against Kelp Gulls and immature Pacific Gulls. There was also no clear evidence that the Pacific Gull has suffered a population decline since the arrival of the Kelp Gull in south-east Tasmania, and the degree of resource partitioning shown by the two species indicates that they are not competing closely for food. However, competition for nest sites on the breeding islands has not been fully studied. Continued growth of the Kelp Gull population in Tasmania is likely, and potential environmental problems are apparent. A range of control measures is available, but control does not appear to be necessary at present. Management of the Kelp Gull and the Pacific Gull in the future will require periodic population monitoring and a comprehensive breeding study to examine the relationships between the two species in mixed colonies. 3 1 Introduction 4 1. INTRODUCTION Human activity has had a profound effect on many wildlife species. There has been a dramatic acceleration in the rate of extinction in historic times, and many more species have suffered a reduction in numbers and range. These changes rarely have a single cause, but the most common pressures created by human activity are loss of habitat, hunting, pollution and competition with introduced species (Fisher, 1971). Less often, human activities have the opposite effect and a species undergoes an increase in population size and distribution. One of the most spectacular changes of this type has been achieved by gulls. Gulls as a group are adaptable and opportunistic scavengers. They are thus well suited to exploit the food provided by humans in such forms as garbage and offal, and it is generally agreed that the enormous volumes of these types of food have enabled gulls to build up to very high population levels, often with serious environmental consequences (Graham, 1975a) • These changes have been most marked and best documented in the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Great Britain and the United States. In Australia the small Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) has followed this general pattern (e.g. Sharland, 1956). However, the only other species, the large endemic Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus), is unusual in that it has suffered a reduction in its historic range and is common only in parts of its present distribution (Serventy et al. 3 1971). During this century a similar species of large gull, the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) , has reached Australia and established a breeding population. It is a Southern Hemisphere species which occurs in South Africa, South America, the sub-antarctic islands, the Antarctic continent, New Zealand and now Australia (Serventy et al., 1971). It is closely related to the Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and the Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus) which have been so successful in the Northern Hemisphere (Moynihan, 1959) and it has shown the same propensity for population growth. Although it is known to breed in three areas of Australia, the Kelp Gull has displayed by far its most rapid growth in south-east Tasmania (Thomas, 1969) • The Pacific Gull and Kelp Gull are similar in size and morphology, so it could be predicted that they would compete for resources such as food or nest sites.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Short-Tailed Shearwater: a Review of Its Biology
    Corella, 1991 , 15(2): 45-52 A11srralasia11 Hird l?<'l'iews - N11111ber 3 THE SHORT-TAILED SHEARWATER: A REVIEW OF ITS BIOLOGY IRYNEJ SKIRA Department of Parks. Wiltllifc and Heritage, 134 Macquarie St.. Hobart. Tas 7000 {<eceived I May /990 The life history of the Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinus tenuirostris has been well documented since it first came to the attention of naturalists. Approximately 23 million birds breed in about 250 colonies in southeastern Australia from September to April. The Short-tailed Shearwater commences to breed when 4 to 15 years. During their completed lifetimes 27 per cent of all individuals produce no young and 19 per cent only one chick. Mortality is age-related with the median survival time for breeding being 9.3 years after first breeding. Many areas remain open for study, with a particular need for interdisciplinary research that includes oceanography. INTRODUCTION The Short-tailed Shearwater was one of the first Australian birds to be banded in large numbers The Short-tailed Shearwater Puffinustenuirostris, (Serventy 1957, 1961) and to be subjected to a commonly known as the Tasmanian muttonbird, long-term scientific study (Guiler et al. 1958). This is one of about I 00 species in the Procellarii­ study was commenced on Fisher Island in the formes. The diagno�tic feature of the order is the Furneaux Group of Tasmania in March 1947 by external nostrils produced into tubes extending Dominic Serventy formerly of the CSIRO onto the bill. Other distinctive features are the (Scrventy 1977) and continues to the present. 42 hooked and plated bill.
    [Show full text]
  • MICROCLIMATIC ASPECTS of RETREAT SITE and BASKING SITE SELECTION by the TASMANIAN TIGER SNAKE, Notechis Ater Sp
    MICROCLIMATIC ASPECTS OF RETREAT SITE AND BASKING SITE SELECTION BY THE TASMANIAN TIGER SNAKE, Notechis ater sp. (Serpentes: Elapidae). PATRICK BRIAN WHITAKER Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science with Honours ----- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies University of Tasmania Hobart 1992 This thesis is dedicated to those who, in the future, may wish to use the information therein for the benefit of the snake. Abstract The thermal ecologies of two elevationally isolated populations of adult female Tasmanian Tiger Snakes (Notechis ater sp.) were investigated using stomach implanted radiotelemetry and a comprehensive microclimate monitoring programme. The study sites were Egg Islands, in the Huon Valley in southeastern Tasmania, and at Lake Crescent, on the lower Western Central Plateau of Tasmania. The study had four primary ~ims: (i) to determine the microclimatic conditions associated with retreat site and basking site selection; (ii) to record and compare behavioural thermoregulatory response to micrometeorological variation; (iii) to monitor diel rhythmicity and range of body temperatures; (iv) to determine voluntary thermal limits and eccritic body temperatures. This information was used in two ways: firstly, to identify the preferred physical microhabitat of this species; and secondly, to develop two predictive models of adult female Tiger Snake activity. The first is a relatively simple empirical model based on microclimatic correlates of body temperature; the second, a biophysical approach involving analysis of the snake's energy budget. Development of the first model required identification of those environmental parameters and quantities which: (i) trigger emergence; (ii) determine the amount of time necessary for the daily warm-up phase in differing micrometeorological conditions; (iii) allow the animal to move about within its home-range; and (iv) trigger entry into retreat sites.
    [Show full text]
  • Pitt Water – Orielton Lagoon Tasmania Ecological Character
    Pitt WaterWater – Orielton Lagoon Tasmania Ecological Character Description AugustDraft 1 2012August 2009 Pitt Water – Orielton Lagoon Tasmania Ecological Character Description August 2012 Introductory Notes The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) prohibits actions that are likely to have a significant impact on the ecological character of a Ramsar wetland unless the Commonwealth Environment Minister has approved the taking of the action, or some other provision in the EPBC Act allows the action to be taken. The information in this ECD Publication does not indicate any commitment to a particular course of action, policy position or decision. Further, it does not provide assessment of any particular action within the meaning of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth), nor replace the role of the Minister or his delegate in making an informed decision to approve an action. The Water Act 2007 requires that in preparing the [Murray-Darling] Basin Plan, the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) must take into account Ecological Character Descriptions of declared Ramsar wetlands prepared in accordance with the National Framework. This ECD publication is provided without prejudice to any final decision by the Administrative Authority for Ramsar in Australia on change in ecological character in accordance with the requirements of Article 3.2 of the Ramsar Convention. Disclaimer While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure the contents of this ECD are correct, the Commonwealth of Australia as represented by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities does not guarantee and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to the currency, accuracy, completeness, reliability or suitability of the information in this ECD.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to the Birds of Barrow Island
    A Guide to the Birds of Barrow Island Operated by Chevron Australia This document has been printed by a Sustainable Green Printer on stock that is certified carbon in joint venture with neutral and is Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) mix certified, ensuring fibres are sourced from certified and well managed forests. The stock 55% recycled (30% pre consumer, 25% post- Cert no. L2/0011.2010 consumer) and has an ISO 14001 Environmental Certification. ISBN 978-0-9871120-1-9 Gorgon Project Osaka Gas | Tokyo Gas | Chubu Electric Power Chevron’s Policy on Working in Sensitive Areas Protecting the safety and health of people and the environment is a Chevron core value. About the Authors Therefore, we: • Strive to design our facilities and conduct our operations to avoid adverse impacts to human health and to operate in an environmentally sound, reliable and Dr Dorian Moro efficient manner. • Conduct our operations responsibly in all areas, including environments with sensitive Dorian Moro works for Chevron Australia as the Terrestrial Ecologist biological characteristics. in the Australasia Strategic Business Unit. His Bachelor of Science Chevron strives to avoid or reduce significant risks and impacts our projects and (Hons) studies at La Trobe University (Victoria), focused on small operations may pose to sensitive species, habitats and ecosystems. This means that we: mammal communities in coastal areas of Victoria. His PhD (University • Integrate biodiversity into our business decision-making and management through our of Western Australia)
    [Show full text]
  • The Herring Gull Complex (Larus Argentatus - Fuscus - Cachinnans) As a Model Group for Recent Holarctic Vertebrate Radiations
    The Herring Gull Complex (Larus argentatus - fuscus - cachinnans) as a Model Group for Recent Holarctic Vertebrate Radiations Dorit Liebers-Helbig, Viviane Sternkopf, Andreas J. Helbig{, and Peter de Knijff Abstract Under what circumstances speciation in sexually reproducing animals can occur without geographical disjunction is still controversial. According to the ring species model, a reproductive barrier may arise through “isolation-by-distance” when peripheral populations of a species meet after expanding around some uninhabitable barrier. The classical example for this kind of speciation is the herring gull (Larus argentatus) complex with a circumpolar distribution in the northern hemisphere. An analysis of mitochondrial DNA variation among 21 gull taxa indicated that members of this complex differentiated largely in allopatry following multiple vicariance and long-distance colonization events, not primarily through “isolation-by-distance”. In a recent approach, we applied nuclear intron sequences and AFLP markers to be compared with the mitochondrial phylogeography. These markers served to reconstruct the overall phylogeny of the genus Larus and to test for the apparent biphyletic origin of two species (argentatus, hyperboreus) as well as the unex- pected position of L. marinus within this complex. All three taxa are members of the herring gull radiation but experienced, to a different degree, extensive mitochon- drial introgression through hybridization. The discrepancies between the mitochon- drial gene tree and the taxon phylogeny based on nuclear markers are illustrated. 1 Introduction Ernst Mayr (1942), based on earlier ideas of Stegmann (1934) and Geyr (1938), proposed that reproductive isolation may evolve in a single species through D. Liebers-Helbig (*) and V. Sternkopf Deutsches Meeresmuseum, Katharinenberg 14-20, 18439 Stralsund, Germany e-mail: [email protected] P.
    [Show full text]
  • A Recently Formed Crested Tern (Thalasseus Bergii) Colony on a Sandbank in Fog Bay (Northern Territory), and Associated Predation
    Northern Territory Naturalist (2015) 26: 13–16 Short Note A recently formed Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii) colony on a sandbank in Fog Bay (Northern Territory), and associated predation Christine Giuliano1,2 and Michael L. Guinea1 1 Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT 0909, Australia. Email: [email protected] 2 60 Station St, Sunbury, VIC 3429, Australia. Abstract A Crested Tern colony founded on a sandbank in northern Fog Bay (Northern Territory) failed in 1996 presumably due to inexperienced nesters. Attempts to breed in the years following were equally unsuccessful until 2012 when the colony was established. In 2014, the rookery comprised at least 1500 adults plus numerous chicks. With the success and growth of the colony, the predators, White-bellied Sea Eagles and Silver Gulls, were quick to capitalise on the new prey. Changes in the species diversity and numbers of the avifauna highlight the dynamic and fragile nature of life on the sandbanks of Fog Bay. Crested Terns (Thalasseus bergii) are the predominant colonial-nesting sea birds in the Northern Territory, with at least five islands supporting colonies of more than 30 000 nesting birds each year (Chatto 2001). These colonies have appeared stable over time with smaller satellite colonies located in the vicinity of the major rookeries. Silver Gulls (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) and White-bellied Sea Eagles (Haliaeetus leucogaster) prey heavily on the adults and chicks (Chatto 2001). In December 1989, Guinea & Ryan (1990) documented the avifauna and turtle nesting activity on Bare Sand Island (12°32'S, 130°25'E), a 20 ha sand dune island with low shrubs and a few trees.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Expression of Interest
    palawa lugganah –– Tasmania’s next great, multi-day holiday experience palawa lugganah — footmark of blackman palawa lugganah is an adventure through river, forest, coast and lagoon landscapes, travelling from town to town, meeting locals and enjoying regional food and hospitality. The track leads the traveller on a fascinating journey, immersing them in the natural world and Aboriginal culture that have jointly existed for 45,000 years. 1 palawa lugganah –– Tasmania’s next great, multi-day holiday experience Outline Palawa lugganah is a multi-use track that allows tourists to travel off road and immerse themselves in the natural Because cycle-touring and trail-running are environment. The track offers a increasingly popular, the track will be diversity of landscapes, from rural marketed for this burgeoning tourism demographic. Overnight bushwalking is scenery through river, forest, coast and well catered for in Tasmania: it brings low lagoons to the most southern beach in returns to local economies, and appeals to Australia. Each night travellers will a relatively-small and comparatively- enjoy the local food and hospitality of declining section of the population. By towns along the way. contrast, a smooth, rolling cycle track will be accessible to a wide range of abilities. Electric bikes will broaden the appeal for both kids and adults. This new track will palawa lugganah has strikingly beautiful deliver a constant stream of travellers to landscapes, rich cultural history, and small business in existing towns and bring connects with friendly local communities. strong returns to drive investment in the What makes it a unique and unforgettable local economy.
    [Show full text]
  • Great Australian Bight BP Oil Drilling Project
    Submission to Senate Inquiry: Great Australian Bight BP Oil Drilling Project: Potential Impacts on Matters of National Environmental Significance within Modelled Oil Spill Impact Areas (Summer and Winter 2A Model Scenarios) Prepared by Dr David Ellis (BSc Hons PhD; Ecologist, Environmental Consultant and Founder at Stepping Stones Ecological Services) March 27, 2016 Table of Contents Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... 2 Executive Summary ................................................................................................ 4 Summer Oil Spill Scenario Key Findings ................................................................. 5 Winter Oil Spill Scenario Key Findings ................................................................... 7 Threatened Species Conservation Status Summary ........................................... 8 International Migratory Bird Agreements ............................................................. 8 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 11 Methods .................................................................................................................... 12 Protected Matters Search Tool Database Search and Criteria for Oil-Spill Model Selection ............................................................................................................. 12 Criteria for Inclusion/Exclusion of Threatened, Migratory and Marine
    [Show full text]
  • First Confirmed Record of Belcher's Gull Larus Belcheri for Colombia with Notes on the Status of Other Gull Species
    First confirmed record of Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri for Colombia with notes on the status of other gull species Primer registro confirmado de la Gaviota Peruana Larus belcheri para Colombia con notas sobre el estado de otras especies de gaviotas Trevor Ellery1 & José Ferney Salgado2 1 Independent. Email: [email protected] 2 Corporación para el Fomento del Aviturismo en Colombia. Abstract We present photographic records of a Belcher's Gull Larus belcheri from the Colombian Caribbean region. These are the first confirmed records of this species in the country. Keywords: new record, range extension, gull, identification. Resumen Presentamos registros fotograficos de un individuo de la Gaviota Peruana Larus belcheri en la region del Caribe de Colombia. Estos son los primeros registros confirmados para el país. Palabras clave: Nuevo registro, extensión de distribución, gaviota, identificación. Introduction the Pacific Ocean coasts of southern South America, and Belcher's Gull or Band-tailed Gull Larus belcheri has long Olrog's Gull L. atlanticus of southern Brazil, Uruguay and been considered a possible or probable species for Argentina (Howell & Dunn 2007, Remsen et al. 2018). Colombia, with observations nearby from Panama (Hilty & Brown 1986). It was first listed for Colombia by Salaman A good rule of thumb for gulls in Colombia is that if it's not et al. (2001) without any justification or notes, perhaps on a Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla, then it's interesting. the presumption that the species could never logically have A second good rule of thumb for Colombian gulls is that if reached the Panamanian observation locality from its it's not a Laughing Gull, you are probably watching it at Los southern breeding grounds without passing through the Camarones or Santuario de Fauna y Flora Los Flamencos, country.
    [Show full text]
  • Habitat Types
    Habitat Types The following section features ten predominant habitat types on the West Coast of the Eyre Peninsula, South Australia. It provides a description of each habitat type and the native plant and fauna species that commonly occur there. The fauna species lists in this section are not limited to the species included in this publication and include other coastal fauna species. Fauna species included in this publication are printed in bold. Information is also provided on specific threats and reference sites for each habitat type. The habitat types presented are generally either characteristic of high-energy exposed coastline or low-energy sheltered coastline. Open sandy beaches, non-vegetated dunefields, coastal cliffs and cliff tops are all typically found along high energy, exposed coastline, while mangroves, sand flats and saltmarsh/samphire are characteristic of low energy, sheltered coastline. Habitat Types Coastal Dune Shrublands NATURAL DISTRIBUTION shrublands of larger vegetation occur on more stable dunes and Found throughout the coastal environment, from low beachfront cliff-top dunes with deep stable sand. Most large dune shrublands locations to elevated clifftops, wherever sand can accumulate. will be composed of a mosaic of transitional vegetation patches ranging from bare sand to dense shrub cover. DESCRIPTION This habitat type is associated with sandy coastal dunes occurring The understory generally consists of moderate to high diversity of along exposed and sometimes more sheltered coastline. Dunes are low shrubs, sedges and groundcovers. Understory diversity is often created by the deposition of dry sand particles from the beach by driven by the position and aspect of the dune slope.
    [Show full text]
  • Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Natural Values in Tasmania
    Impact of sea level rise on coastal natural values in Tasmania JUNE 2016 Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment Acknowledgements Thanks to the support we received in particular from Clarissa Murphy who gave six months as a volunteer in the first phase of the sea level rise risk assessment work. We also had considerable technical input from a range of people on various aspects of the work, including Hans and Annie Wapstra, Richard Schahinger, Tim Rudman, John Church, and Anni McCuaig. We acknowledge the hard work over a number of years from the Sea Level Rise Impacts Working Group: Oberon Carter, Louise Gilfedder, Felicity Faulkner, Lynne Sparrow (DPIPWE), Eric Woehler (BirdLife Tasmania) and Chris Sharples (University of Tasmania). This report was compiled by Oberon Carter, Felicity Faulkner, Louise Gilfedder and Peter Voller from the Natural Values Conservation Branch. Citation DPIPWE (2016) Impact of sea level rise on coastal natural values in Tasmania. Natural and Cultural Heritage Division, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart. www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au ISBN: 978-1-74380-009-6 Cover View to Mount Cameron West by Oberon Carter. Pied Oystercatcher by Mick Brown. The Pied Oystercatcher is considered to have a very high exposure to sea level rise under both a national assessment and Tasmanian assessment. Its preferred habitat is mudflats, sandbanks and sandy ocean beaches, all vulnerable to inundation and erosion. Round-leaved Pigface (Disphyma australe) in flower in saltmarsh at Lauderdale by Iona Mitchell. Three saltmarsh communities are associated with the coastal zone and are considered at risk from sea level rise.
    [Show full text]
  • 3966 Tour Op 4Col
    The Tasmanian Advantage natural and cultural features of Tasmania a resource manual aimed at developing knowledge and interpretive skills specific to Tasmania Contents 1 INTRODUCTION The aim of the manual Notesheets & how to use them Interpretation tips & useful references Minimal impact tourism 2 TASMANIA IN BRIEF Location Size Climate Population National parks Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area (WHA) Marine reserves Regional Forest Agreement (RFA) 4 INTERPRETATION AND TIPS Background What is interpretation? What is the aim of your operation? Principles of interpretation Planning to interpret Conducting your tour Research your content Manage the potential risks Evaluate your tour Commercial operators information 5 NATURAL ADVANTAGE Antarctic connection Geodiversity Marine environment Plant communities Threatened fauna species Mammals Birds Reptiles Freshwater fishes Invertebrates Fire Threats 6 HERITAGE Tasmanian Aboriginal heritage European history Convicts Whaling Pining Mining Coastal fishing Inland fishing History of the parks service History of forestry History of hydro electric power Gordon below Franklin dam controversy 6 WHAT AND WHERE: EAST & NORTHEAST National parks Reserved areas Great short walks Tasmanian trail Snippets of history What’s in a name? 7 WHAT AND WHERE: SOUTH & CENTRAL PLATEAU 8 WHAT AND WHERE: WEST & NORTHWEST 9 REFERENCES Useful references List of notesheets 10 NOTESHEETS: FAUNA Wildlife, Living with wildlife, Caring for nature, Threatened species, Threats 11 NOTESHEETS: PARKS & PLACES Parks & places,
    [Show full text]