g'Day all
Be alert but not too alarmed about the reported low numbers of
waterbirds in east coast drought areas. The current situation is almost
certainly no more than a cyclic and temporary event.
Before we forecast imminent global crisis and extinction, we need to
benchmark what is normal. The described survey period of only 20 years
commenced in the early 1980's, following a period of unusually wet years
when waterbird populations were at an abnormal high. Again in the late
80's there was a big wet across the inland.
Since the intense cyclones of last summer, areas of NW Australia are
wetter than usual and many waterbirds will be concentrated there.
As most of us know, most waterbirds have a high reproductive potential
and in good seasons, so long as habitat is protected, their populations
will restore not withstanding other limiting factors.
Regards
Ian May
Price South Australia
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