A Request for Information from list subscribers
I am examining the distribution of Cape Barren Geese (Cereopsis
novaehollandiae) and Magpie Geese (Anseranas semipalmata) with a view to
determining the conservation status of these waterbirds in Victoria.
Cape Barren Geese have made a slow recovery in se Australia since they
became a protected species. Their stronghold is probably the Bass Strait
islands. Magpie Geese on the other hand have officially been designated as
extinct in Victoria and South Australia - since 1911(Marchant and Higgins
1990). However, various attempts were made to reintroduced them to
Victoria in 1964 (and in the early 1970s) from Northern Territory stock.
I have examined the Atlas of Victorian Wildlife data and this suggests
Magpie Geese may be expanding their range in Victoria from these stocks
(i.e. Tower Hill and Serendip Research Station) although there are few
1970s records.
Would list members please contact me directly with any observations they
have from any year for these species in Victoria and nearby South
Australia.
Has anyone seen either of these birds recently and not forwarded their
observations to the Atlas? Alternatively, has anyone an (informed!)
opinion on what they think is happening to these species in this Victoria?
The information will be used to assist in the conservation of these
waterbirds and there habitats.
Reference: Marchant, S. & Higgins, P. J. (1990) [Co-ords] Handbook of
Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds, Volume 1 (B), Ratites to
Ducks, Pp. 1114-23. Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union. Oxford
University Press, Melbourne.
Martin O'Brien
Executive Scientific Officer
Scientific Advisory Committee
Threatened Species Program
Department of Natural Resources and Environment
4/250 Victoria Pde.,
East Melbourne, 3002
AUSTRALIA
tel: +61 3 9412 4567
fax: +61 3 9412 4586
e-mail:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|
