At 12:58 29/05/98 +1000, Chris lester wrote:
>The issue of feral populations of introduced birds is one that intrigues
>me.
The existence/distribution of feral populations in HANZAB is covered in the
Distribution and Population section, which is based entirley on literature
review (which may include thesis, unpublished manuscripts and personal
communications). It can't be complete but it is usally thorough.
The distribution of feral birds is poorly documented, and so if even though
the literature reviews in HANZAB may be thorough the information is
inadequate. Evidently the HANZAB team found no reference to feral pheasants
in n. NSW or S. Qld. Likewise they found no evidence of extant feral
populations of Barbary Doves in the literature. They found no reference to
feral Pea Fowls in QLD but I have seen populations near Eungella, Mt.
Elliot and Mt. Stuart and know of sightings on Magnetic Island. I have also
seen Common Pheasants on the Atherton Tablelands but I don't know if they
are feral.
HANZAB is in my opinion unfortunately conservative in recognising feral
populations. For instances it says of the Kangaroo Island population(s) of
Pea Fowl "all semi-domestic". I would doubt if such a statement could be
justified (and what does it mean anyway??!). HANZAB implies that all recent
sightings of Barbary Doves are of aviary escapees. This may be true, but I
doubt if it could be proven.
The onus for documenting feral populations lies not with HANZAB or BA but
with the whole community. I would urge you to publish any information you
have on feral populations. Alternativley you could write to the BA
Conservation Committee.
"then presumably they remain undocumented and maybe unrecognised"
Thats for sure
Cheers,
David James
PO BOX 5225
Townsville Mail Centre 4810
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