Hi Louise,
The 'poor' fencing is actually deliberately none-evasive. After much research,
done here and in NZ with New Zealand Dotterel Tuturiwhatu Pukunui (Charadrius
obscurus), it seems the most effective conservation technique for Hooded Plover
is simply fencing. It allows the birds to move freely, but importantly it
negates a negative view of the nests from the local community and beach-goers
who object to more strident fencing and signage. It also seems that simple
fences does (on the whole) make people act more responsibly and does get
community support.
Strong fencing on the other hand, apart from being awkward for the birds
(plovers do not like nesting next to signs and fences and people move closer to
the nest to read the signage), increases the level of vandalism - with
destruction of fences, signage and eggs. Effectively community support is lost.
Electric fencing would last 5 minutes ? think of the reaction of parents re
kids on the beach.
The conservation of the Hooded Plover is as much an issue of ethno-ornithology
(the study of the relationship between people and birds) as it is simply
conservation. The issue has attracted much debate, often heated, but is always
interesting, illuminating many of the multi-faceted issues relating to bird
conservation.
Cheers,
Tim Dolby
-----Original Message-----
From: on behalf of
Sent: Tue 13/01/2009 08:23
To:
Subject: Hooded Plover
Dear Mr Jarman
I was delighted to read your email to birding news.
We are staying near Ulladulla beach where there is a (poorly) fenced area to
protect the hooded plovers nest.
By sheer chance we were on the beach when an exuberant staffordshire terrier
nounded up to the two hooded plovers who were trotting along the beach
together. We distracted and diverted him. Tried to find the owners however
people said "he is a local dog who just visits the beach at will". We were/are
all most concerned about this situation. The staffy finally bounded off with
other beach walkers but can you believe that no less than 3! other dogs arried
in the short space of some 30 minutes or so to the each. They all! investigated
the nesting area.
I believe that far firmer measures are required. e.g. stronger signage, some
implemented punitive measures to the owners of these dogs and a better fenced
area. ? is electric feasible?
Appreciate your thoughts. I am sending copies of this email to the relevant
department.
I phoned 44548500 and got a message. Later in the day saw the ranger at Lake
Conjola however he smiled shrugged and said "It happens all the time". So the
current protection of this area is far from satisfactory. To the point where it
basically may as well not be there.
Louise Howland
182 High Street
Kangaroo Flat 3555
Tel 0428551161
PS My cousin too some fabulous photos of the pair.
PSS We have now seen a similar situation at Lake Conjola
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