The Disappearing Birds of Oz
Most people take the sweet sound of birds singing for granted, but if things don’t change soon in Australia birdsong may be scarce as many of the country’s native bird species are declining. Garden, water, scrub and woodland birds are all shrinking in numbers according to a report by Birds Australia.The report studies trends in bird populations revealed by implementing long-term monitoring programs over the past 40 years. The results are mixed, with some species doing better than others, but overall there are more birds on decline than there were in 2003.
Birds such as the Australian Magpie and the Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo are becoming harder to spot as their numbers dwindle.
Australia's native birds are in decline for several reasons, including drought, loss of their natural habitat due to human development, and the introduction of non-native species such as cats, foxes and water buffalo which disrupt the natural balance of the birds' ecosystem. Climate changes are also thought to be a threat.
As is the case with most endangered species, extinction would not only be a loss for the species, but a dwindling bird population would also have a knock-on effect on Australia’s mammals, reptiles, and plants.
Water bird populations in particular are in serious trouble because of severe drought in some areas and inadequate water management practices. Damns and irrigation both divert water from it's natural course, changing the environment and threatening the survival of species dependant on streams, ponds and marshlands for habitats and food. Birds such as the Red-necked Avocet have seen almost an 80% drop in numbers.
Several of Australia's migratory shorebirds, such as the Far Eastern Curlew and the Curlew Sandpiper, which fly thousands of miles yearly from Siberia, have suffered a significant population decrease.
Australian bush birds are doing a little bit better but their overall populations are still falling. These insect-eating woodland birds, such as robins, thornbills, fantails and treecreepers, have all shrunk in numbers in south-eastern Australia because of habitat clearance and other modifications.
Recent bushfires in Australia have also had a negative affect on several species such as the Ground Parrot in Western Australia and the endangered Eastern Bristlebird of the south-eastern Queensland region. With droughts and bush fires anticipated to get worse in future years unless drastic steps are taken to improve water resources management, these populations need to be protected as much as possible.
The good news is that active management is proving to be successful in improving some species of bird populations. This is especially the case regarding globally threatened species, such as Gould's Petrel, and the Superb Parrot. Both of these vulnerable birds have been actively managed and recovery plans are in place to make sure that their natural habitat is protected, rehabilitated or replanted. Natural predators are also being controlled and nest-boxes are being provided for them and captive-bred birds released.
Want to find out more, or learn how you can help to save these beautiful birds? Visit Birds Australia.
