From: Martyn Moffat
[
Sent: Monday, 10 March 2008 10:51 AM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] FW: [ACT GOV MEDIA RELEASE]: Little Eagle
declared a vulnerable species
LITTLE EAGLE DECLARED A VULNERABLE SPECIES
Chief Minister Jon Stanhope today announced that the Little Eagle (Hieraaetus
morphnoides) had been declared a vulnerable species.
The Little Eagle has been recorded in the northern half of the ACT and along
the river corridors of the Tablelands area of NSW. Records kept by the Canberra
Ornithologists’ Group show that annual sightings of the Little Eagle roughly
halved between 1985 and 2006. This decline resulted in the Group nominating the
species for declaration as a vulnerable species under ACT legislation.
“Declaration is formal acknowledgment that the Little Eagle is vulnerable to
the threat of extinction,” Mr Stanhope said today. “It obliges the
Conservator of Flora and Fauna to develop an Action Plan outlining proposed
conservation measures for the species.
The Little Eagle is found in woodland, forested land and open country. It seeks
out its prey — rabbits, other mammals and inspects — on the wing or from a high
perch and nests in mature living trees.
The Little Eagle is distinguished by having heavily feathered legs. The
Wedgetailed eagle is the only other Australian raptor with this characteristic.
“The Little Eagle is already recognised as a species of concern and its habitat
needs have been recognised in planning for the proposed Molonglo urban development,”
Mr Stanhope said today. “The declaration of the Little Eagle as a vulnerable
species will allow for adequate consideration of the protection of the species
in habitats in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Molonglo Valley.
“Collaboration between Environment and Recreation (Research and Monitoring) and
the Canberra Ornithologists Group will ensure that appropriate monitoring
programs are in place.
“I hope that by declaring the Little Eagle as a vulnerable species that we can
help ensure that it receives the protection it deserves in the ACT.”
Statement Ends
Media Contact:
Penelope Layland 6205
9777 0438 289
714
