assessment of waterfowl abundance and wetland …...and wetland condition, for application to the...

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Assessment of Waterfowl Abundance and Wetland Condition in south-eastern South AustraliaDecember 2017

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Published by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

Government of South Australia

December 2017

Head Office

81-95 Waymouth Street

ADELAIDE SA 5000

Telephone +61 (8) 8204 9000

Facsimile +61 (8) 8204 9334

Internet: www.environment.sa.gov.au

Report prepared by:

Conservation, Natural Resource Management & Protected Area Policy Branch

Parks and Regions

Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources

Copies of the report can be obtained from:

T: +61 (8) 8207 7736

E: [email protected]

www.environment.sa.gov.au

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Contents

1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

2 INTRODUCTION 7

2.1 Study Brief 7

2.2 Climatic Conditions 7

2.3 2017 Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey 8

3 METHODS 10

3.1 Site Selection 10

3.2 Observers 11

3.3 Survey Methods 11

4 RESULTS 12

4.1 Wetlands Surveyed and Water Coverage 12

4.2 Wetland Status 14

4.3 Overall Waterfowl Abundance 15

4.4 Analysis of distribution and abundance for game species 23

4.5 Duck species composition within each district 25

4.6 Waterfowl Density 33

5 CONCLUSIONS 34

6 REFERENCES 35

7 APPENDICES 36

7.1 Appendix 1: Example Waterfowl Survey Data Sheet 2017 36

7.2 Appendix 2: Historical waterfowl abundance data by SA region (2003-2017) 39

7.3 Appendix 3: South East Aerial Survey Data (2017) 40

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Figures Figure 1 Ten aerial survey bands (each 30 km in width), every two degrees of latitude, crossing eastern Australia to monitor up

to 2000 wetlands ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9

Figure 2 Average water coverage at survey sites by region (2003–2017) ............................................................................................................. 14

Figure 3 Number of dry survey sites by region (2003–2017) ..................................................................................................................................... 14

Figure 4 Trends in the annual abundance in duck game species, South Australian Surveys (2008–2017) ............................................... 15

Figure 5 Proportion of total abundance in games species from South Australian Surveys (2008-2017) .................................................. 16

Figure 6 Total duck count by SA survey region (2008-2017) ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Figure 7 Waterbird abundance (including ducks) across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017) ......................................... 19

Figure 8 Comparison in total species counts of ducks from Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird survey (2007-2017) ....................... 19

Figure 9 Wetland area index across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017) ................................................................................. 20

Figure 10 Number of waterbird species breeding across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017) ........................................ 20

Figure 11 Breeding index across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017) ....................................................................................... 21

Figure 12 Number of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017) .......................... 21

Figure 13 The breeding index of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017) ..... 21

Figure 14 Wetlands area index across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017) ............................... 22

Figure 15 Trends in the nomadic species of duck (2003-2017) ................................................................................................................................ 23

Figure 16 Trends in the residential species of duck (2003-2017) ............................................................................................................................. 24

Figure 17 Duck survey results, distribution by region 2017 ....................................................................................................................................... 25

Figure 18 Proportion of total game duck species observed by region for 2017 ................................................................................................ 26

Figure 19 Murraylands survey count by duck species (2008–2017) ........................................................................................................................ 27

Figure 20 Murraylands duck species composition (2003–2017) ............................................................................................................................... 27

Figure 21 Fleurieu survey count by duck species (2003–2017) ................................................................................................................................. 28

Figure 22 Fleurieu duck species composition (2003–2017) ........................................................................................................................................ 29

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Figure 23 Coorong survey count by duck species (2008–2017) ............................................................................................................................... 30

Figure 24 Coorong duck species composition (2003–2017) ...................................................................................................................................... 30

Figure 25 South East survey count by duck species (2007–2017) ............................................................................................................................ 31

Figure 26 South East duck species composition (2003–2017) ................................................................................................................................... 32

Figure 27 Density of total ducks (all species) in each survey district (2003–2017) ............................................................................................ 33

Tables Table 1 South Australia Surveyed Wetland Summary (2003-2017) ......................................................................................................................... 12

Table 2 South Australian Surveyed Wetland Summary by Region (2008-2017) ................................................................................................. 13

Table 3 South Australian surveys: duck abundance totals (2003–2017) ................................................................................................................ 17

Table 4 South Australian surveys; Proportion (percentage) of all duck counted by species (2003–2017) ................................................ 17

Table 5 Duck counts by species: Murraylands District (2003–2017)........................................................................................................................ 26

Table 6 Duck counts, by species: Fleurieu District (2003–2017) ................................................................................................................................ 28

Table 7 Duck counts, by species: Coorong District (2003–2017) .............................................................................................................................. 29

Table 8 Duck counts, by species: South East District (2003–2017) .......................................................................................................................... 31

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1 Executive Summary To provide a coordinated and consistent regional approach to waterfowl data collection and analysis, spring waterfowl (duck) and

wetland surveys have been conducted annually in South Australia since 2003. The ground-based surveys sample a range of wetland

habitats across south-eastern South Australia, providing an understanding of annual trends in wetland condition and waterfowl

populations

This report presents the results of the 2017 waterfowl and wetland surveys in SA. A total of 61 wetland sites were surveyed at the

end of October and early November 2017, across four districts of south-eastern SA: Murraylands, the Fleurieu Peninsula and

greater metropolitan Adelaide, Coorong, and the South East. Sites were divided between those that are frequently hunted and

those set aside purely for conservation. The surveys were coordinated by the Department of Environment, Water and Natural

Resources (DEWNR) (Conservation, Sustainability and Wildlife Management Unit), with the assistance of volunteers from a variety

of stakeholder groups and individuals.

The 2017 waterfowl and wetland survey indicated the majority of the 61 sites surveyed (90%) were containing moderate to high

water levels, while the remaining 10% of wetlands had water in them with no wetlands visited completely empty at the time of

survey although levels were low. Waterfowl abundance in South Australia in 2017 increased substantively in the surveyed districts

in comparison to the 2016 survey. The total number of ducks counted in the 2017 survey was 50,659 ducks as compared to 10,856

ducks in 2016 (4.7 times higher in 2017). The total number of ducks counted was below the long term average of 72,875 but this

is unsurprising given the smaller number of wetlands where ground counts were undertaken in 2017.

Signs of breeding were observed as wetland habitat availability is high with the majority of sites high or above average water levels

with higher rainfalls in late winter and early spring across South Australia. The average density of waterfowl is higher in 2017 at

4.6 ducks/Ha compared to the 2016 density of 0.6 ducks/Ha. The previous peaks recorded were in 2011 and 2012, just after the

major drought period with densities of 11.4 ducks/Ha and 14.4 ducks/Ha, respectively. The marked increase in the duck density in

2017 compared to the 2016 density is attributed to:

The assumed decrease in the availability of suitable breeding grounds (wetlands) in the inland areas of central and

eastern Australia due to lower rainfalls in their associated catchments in 2017

The average rainfalls in the South East of South Australia in 2017 and persistence of permanent wetland habitats were

instrumental in drawing ducks from the inland regions to these areas.

In addition to the 2017 ground survey, aerial reconnaissance surveys of the Murraylands, Coorong and South East districts were

again undertaken. Aerial counts from discrete wetlands were used to improve observations at some wetlands where access is

difficult counting a total of 373,703 ducks. The majority of observed species abundance in the 2017 aerial survey is composed of

Grey Teal at 90% (337,179 ducks), followed by the Mountain ducks at 6% (13,767 ducks) while the lowest was the abundance of

Chestnut Teal and Blue-winged Shoveler at 1% (4,201 ducks). The aerial counts did observe small numbers of other species.

At the continental scale, from November 2016 - October 2017 has been a mixed year in terms of rain fall patterns, ranging from

below average to above average rainfalls. The driest months with below average mean rainfalls were November (2016), April to

July 2017 and September 2017 whilst Dec (2016) to March 2017 and October 2017 had mean rainfalls between average and above

average rainfalls.

The 35th Eastern Aerial Waterbird Survey (EAWS) undertaken by the University of New South (UNSW) confirms that waterbird

numbers are showing a declining trend as the waterbird concentrations have only been noted in the coastal areas of Bands 2

(South East SA and southern Victoria) and 9 (mid Queensland at Lake Galilee) as these areas had good water depth and productive

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habitats for food and breeding of waterbirds while the western end of the bands were drier. The waterbird population in all other

areas along the remaining surveyed Bands (1, 3 to 8) are relatively small in numbers (<5000 waterbirds) or non-existent.

2 Introduction Spring waterfowl and wetland surveys have been conducted annually in SA since 2003 to provide a coordinated and consistent

regional approach to waterfowl data collection and analysis. Data is obtained from ground and aerial surveys from the Eastern

Australian Aerial Waterbirds Surveys (EAAWS) conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Regional

Natural Resource Management monitoring activities along with data from project based activities. The collection of thses data

provides a broad understanding of the abundance and annual variation of waterfowl numbers in South Australia (SA).

For the most part, SA is a vast semi-arid expanse, too deficient in rainfall to support permanent habitat for waterfowl. The south-

eastern corner of the state (protruding southward from 34 to 38 degrees of southerly latitude) is a zone that receives dependable

annual rainfall and mild temperatures, where inundated wetland areas remain for many months through winter and into summer.

Additionally, the water regulation of the Murray Darling Basin has resulted in areas of permanent wetland habitats along its course

in addition to the permanent wetlands of the lakes and the Coorong.

The South Australian spring waterfowl and wetland surveys are a systematic ground-based assessment of waterfowl abundance

and wetland condition, for application to the future hunting season decision-making process. The annual survey aims to present

a snapshot of waterfowl abundance, species composition and wetland condition at a point in time. Results over time will show

trends, provided the same wetlands are surveyed accurately, employing the same methodology. There is no intention to

extrapolate total abundance values for each duck species.

The 2017 waterfowl and wetland survey employed the methodology that was designed in March 2003 for the first ground-based

waterfowl survey of this type. As such, it remains a volunteer-based survey with support from the DEWNR and other state

government agencies.

2.1 Study Brief

Since 2003, a suite of wetlands and wetland complexes were selected for annual spring waterfowl surveys, across four districts of

South-eastern Australia: Murraylands, Fleurieu Peninsula, Coorong, and the South East. The surveys are designed to represent the

range of habitats required to understand changes in wetland condition and waterfowl populations.

The 2017 waterfowl survey was coordinated by the Conservation, Sustainability and Wildlife Management Unit in the Department

of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR), with the assistance of volunteers from a variety of stakeholder groups. A

total of 61 wetlands and wetland complexes were surveyed between 23 October and 12 November 2017. The aerial surveys were

completed over three days during the period of the ground surveys. Sites included those that are frequently hunted and those

set aside purely for conservation.

2.2 Climatic Conditions

The 2017 spring waterfowl and wetlands survey followed 12 months (1 Nov 2016 – 31 October 2017) of rain ranging from below

average to above average rainfalls across South Australia. Rainfall trends for each of the four surveyed districts are summarised

below:

The Murraylands region over a 12 month period experienced an average to well above average rainfalls between the

months of Nov 2016 – April (summer and autumn) and August 2017 whilst the drier periods were between the months

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of June-July 2017 (winter) and Sept-Oct 2017 (spring). The lowest on records rainfalls were observed in parts of the

Murraylands in the months of July and Oct 2017. A number of wetlands along the corridor of the Murray River have

benefitted firstly from weir pool manipulation using unregulated flows to the state but also from increased flows resulting

from high rainfalls events in the Murray Darling Basin.

In the Fleurieu region, overall rainfall in the district was average for the 12 months, from Nov 2016-Oct 2017. Rainfalls of

between average and above average made the months of Dec 2016 – April 2017 as the wetter period (summer and early

autumn) with December being recorded as the wettest month for the year. The drier period for the region were in the

months of May-July 2017 with June 2017 being the driest month of the year with the lowest rainfall on record.

Rainfall in the Coorong/Upper South-East region during 2017 was between average and above average rainfalls with Dec

2016, Jan 2017 and April 2017 very much above average rainfalls. June 2017 was recorded as being the driest month with

very much below average rainfalls.

All of the Lower South East region experienced very much above average rainfalls in the 12 months from Nov 2016 –Oct

2017. The wetter months were from Nov 2016-May 2017 and July –Oct 2016 with above average rainfalls whilst June

2017 (the driest month) rainfalls were very much below average.

2.3 2017 Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey

The Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey (EAAWS) aims to monitor changes in the abundance and distribution indices of

waterbird species in Australia. The EAAWS counts up to 50 species of waterbirds from up to 2,000 wetlands and has been

conducted annually in October since 1983. The information is valuable for examining trends over one-third of continental Australia

over a long period and include:

An index of abundance of waterbirds and game ducks.

Information on the distribution of waterbird and game duck populations along the survey bands.

The extent and distribution of habitat along the survey bands.

Information on waterbird breeding.

The EAAWS provides a useful index of waterbird communities, allowing for comparisons over time and across different areas. BY

collecting information on habitat availability, the survey provides an indication of ecosystem health as characteristic biota generally

reflect food resources in the wetland (i.e. large fish eating bird abundances indicate high presence and availability of fish resources).

The EAAWS is unique in that it provides a ‘census’ of an entire wetland including areas inaccessible by ground, is rapid – aerial

surveys are up to 150 times faster than ground counts, permits large amounts of data to be collected on an entire waterbird

community over a wetland and provides best available access to large remote wetland systems that is impossible to survey with

ground based methods (e.g. Lake Eyre).

Critically, the EAAWS uses a reliable and repeatable methodology. Aerial surveys for monitoring vertebrate fauna have been used

successfully for a wide variety of species across the world – including; waterbirds, deer, caiman, walruses, seals, polar bears, buffalo,

kangaroos, horses, capybara, antelope and goats. The EAAWS is particularly suitable for broad scale monitoring, uses a

methodology that can be standardised to limit bias and allow for temporal and spatial comparisons and permits surveillance of

breeding effort (e.g. colonies) that can inform management.

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While there are a number of strengths, the EAAWS requires specialised methods that requires experienced counters and pilot, can

have lower precision and accuracy than some other methods (e.g. ground surveys, aerial photography), includes visibility bias for

some species (e.g. diving ducks), has limits in differentiating among some species (e.g. migratory shorebirds) and has high

variability in some heterogeneous wetlands (e.g. clumped distributions of birds). Most of these weaknesses are known and have

limited impact on its use in understanding the dynamics of waterfowl at the continental scale.

Figure 1 Ten aerial survey bands (each 30 km in width), every two degrees of latitude, crossing eastern Australia to monitor up to 2000 wetlands

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3 Methods Sixty one (61) distinct sites were completed by the ground surveys in 2017. Spatial coverage across each district was a factor in

the initial site selection along with wetland type, quality, size, ownership (public or private), and status (protected or open to

hunting). Sites that have a current monitoring program or an existing waterfowl database were also prioritised for inclusion. Some

wetlands were counted more than once by different volunteers. For these wetlands where multiple counts were undertaken, the

data was then combined to create a mean total count for that site. Similar results from the different surveys increase the validity

of the surveys completed by volunteers.

The aerial surveys were conducted over 3 days (8-10 November 2017) covering wetlands in the Murraylands, Coorong and South

East Districts and some of these areas overlap the wetlands surveyed by ground observers/volunteers. All of these sites fall south

of 34 degrees of latitude. North of this mark, rainfall is too deficient and mean daily temperatures are too hot for anything other

than temporal wet areas after heavy rainfall events. Exceptions are the inland lakes in northern South Australia that are part of the

Lake Eyre Basin, which respond to periodic rainfall in central Australia.

The survey area has been divided into four districts:

Murraylands: A corridor following the River Murray from Murray Bridge to the South Australian/Victorian border, which

includes floodplains.

Fleurieu: The Fleurieu Peninsula, Greater Adelaide, and the coast north to Port Gawler Conservation Park.

Coorong: The Lower Murray Lakes, Coorong and watercourses to the west of the Keith-Naracoorte Road.

South East: The coast extending south from Kingston to the South Australian/Victorian border and inland to the south

of Naracoorte.

3.1 Site Selection

In 2003, 94 sites were identified that form the core sites to be surveyed each year. The following criteria were used to select the

survey sites:

Spatial Coverage: Where topography permitted, sites were selected to provide the best possible geographic coverage within

each district. Coverage was considered to be the most important criterion during site selection.

Private /Public ownership: Many of the state’s large wetland areas are conserved and managed as ‘reserves’ under the National

Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. However, significant wetland areas, particularly reclaimed wetlands, are owned and managed by

private organisations such as Wetlands and Wildlife and South Australian Field and Game. These private areas are significant, and

are given good representation in the survey.

Wetland Size: Wetlands were divided into sites larger or smaller than 100 hectares within each district and as far as practicable

to have both sizes sampled equally. Some waterfowl species show a preference for wetland size. For example, Mountain Ducks are

generally found in large open areas, and consequently both large and small wetlands are required to ensure that no bias exists in

our long-term understanding of trends in waterfowl populations.

Status (open or closed to hunting): A distinction was made between sites that facilitate hunting and those that have been

declared purely for waterfowl conservation. Duck hunters shoot either on public Game Reserves, unalienated crown lands or on

private lands. Many of the popular hunting areas were selected as survey sites, as were significant conservation areas.

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3.2 Observers

Observers included DEWNR staff and various volunteer groups and individuals. Many thanks are extended to those who gave up

significant amounts of time and effort, listed below:

Banrock Station Birds SA Friends of Parks Barmera Moorook Field and Game Birdlife South East SA Conservation and Hunting Alliance of SA Hellenic Shooting Sports Association SA Loxton Field and Game Field and Game Australia RMK Berri Field and Game Marne Restoration Alliance Wetlands and Wildlife SA Water Berridale Orchards DEWNR staff and rangers Natural Resources, SA Murray-Darling Basin Jack and Pat Bourne

Maureen Christie Brian Tiernan R & B Moorhouse Trixie Tan Pam Jones Peter Graff Michael Dolan Sally Grundy Michelle Cornish John Mullins Australian Landscape Trust Pat Bourne Ben Kester Wendy Phillips Bruce and Betty Weir

3.3 Survey Methods

Potential observers were sent a list of the survey sites and asked to indicate which sites they were prepared to survey. Survey

forms (see Appendix 1) were circulated amongst volunteer groups and Departmental staff. The ground-based waterfowl and

wetland condition surveys were undertaken between 23 October and 10 November 2017. A total of 61 sites from the four districts

in South-eastern South Australia were surveyed. Some sites were surveyed more than once and similar results act to validate data.

As far as possible, similar numbers of small (less than 100 ha) and large (greater than 100 ha) wetlands were surveyed. Smaller

wetlands are more abundant and easier to survey. Large wetlands are logistically more difficult to count; they require a more

intensive search effort, better observational equipment and access to the water at a number of locations.

Most participants surveyed from the land using an area search or point count technique. A few observers launched boats and

surveyed from the water. Ducks were the focus of the survey, however, some observers undertook a complete inventory of all

waterbirds at their site. Each wetland survey involved a short assessment of wetland physical condition. Each observer answered

four brief questions about water coverage, aquatic fauna and flora and the size of the area they surveyed. Most observers used

binoculars to assist with their identification. Spotting scopes were used to improve identification along the Coorong and on the

larger wetlands in the South East and Murraylands in particular. Survey forms were returned to DEWNR for analysis.

In addition to ground-based surveys, aerial surveys were undertaken in the Murraylands, South East and Coorong districts. Aerial

counts from discrete wetlands were used to calibrate ground-based counts and improve observations at some wetlands where

access is difficult. These were undertaken from 8-10 November 2017 in the Murraylands, Coorong and the South-East. The South

East survey was carried out over 3 days due to the large area that needed to be covered.

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4 RESULTS 4.1 Wetlands Surveyed and Water Coverage

A total of 61 sites from the four districts (Murraylands, Fleurieu, Coorong and South East) in south-eastern South Australia were

surveyed. An overview comparison of the total wetlands surveyed in 2017 against previous years is provided in Table 1 and by

region in Table 2. A summary of the water coverage in each district is provided below.

Murraylands: Many of the survey sites in the Murraylands are established lakes, swamps and lagoons, connected to the main

channel of the River Murray at a comparable elevation. Many of the temporary Murraylands sites have high biodiversity value and

support healthy waterfowl populations when inundated. A number of wetlands along the river corridor have benefitted firstly

from weir pool manipulation using unregulated flows to the state from increased rainfalls in the Murray Darling Basin. In 2017, 17

wetlands were visited totalling approximately 3504 Ha.

Fleurieu: The Fleurieu Peninsula supports a mosaic of small water storages, farm dams and spring fed wetlands across a highly

fragmented landscape. Many of the region’s wetlands are regulated, and therefore do not necessarily reflect climate trends. Some

water storages are artificially maintained at high capacity and others are supplemented with water from the River Murray to

support human use. Overall, rainfall in the district was above average for the 12 months to November 2017 relative to the long-

term average for the region. In 2017, 14 wetlands were visited totalling approximately 1,102 Ha.

Coorong: The Coorong region contains a significant number of large and small wetlands and watercourses that become

seasonally inundated each winter. The Coorong region contains a significant number of large and small relatively shallow wetlands

and watercourses that become seasonally inundated each winter. Some of the surveyed wetlands are dependent on discharges

associated with the drainage scheme throughout the region. Rainfall in the region during 2017 was average rainfalls in September.

In 2017, 13 wetlands were visited totalling an area of approximately 2,434 Ha.

South East: The South East district contains a broad suite of wetland types to functionally support a range of different

waterfowl species. Extensive drainage networks influence wetland conditions due to substantial rainfall conditions many of

wetlands receive water from the system while during the drier months, many of these wetlands depreciate in size with some

being seasonally dry. In 2017, 17 wetlands were visited totalling approximately 3,852 Ha.

Table 1 South Australia Surveyed Wetland Summary (2003-2017)

YearNo. of

Wetlands Surveyed

Wetland Area

surveyed (ha)

No. of sites less than

100ha

No. of sites greater than or =100ha

No. Hunted Sites

No. Protected

Sites

2003 88 12,535 62 26 41 472004 86 9,353 60 26 39 492005 86 8,134 56 33 39 472006 91 9,005 64 29 41 522007 91 9,862 48 44 42 502008 95 9,070 54 41 47 482009 91 9,234 49 42 46 452010 87 9,637 54 33 53 342011 77 11,940 42 35 42 352012 79 12,140 42 37 44 352013 49 11,817 21 28 26 232014 77 17,995 46 31 30 472015 79 13,040 47 32 39 402016 85 17,874 50 35 36 492017 61 10,896 39 22 33 28

average 83 11,545 50 34 40 43

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Table 2 South Australian Surveyed Wetland Summary by Region (2008-2017)

YearNo. of

Wetlands Surveyed

Wetland Area

surveyed (ha)

No. of sites less than

100ha

No. of sites greater than or =100ha

No. Hunted Sites

No. Protected

Sites

2008 26 2,790 14 12 12 142009 24 2,750 13 11 11 132010 25 3,570 10 15 16 92011 19 2,970 8 11 10 92012 20 3,070 8 12 11 92013 13 2,670 4 9 7 62014 24 4,785 13 11 11 132015 23 3,744 12 11 10 132016 22 6,701 9 13 11 112017 17 3,504 12 5 9 82008 14 562 12 2 1 132009 12 564 10 2 1 112010 14 466 13 1 3 112011 16 1,695 11 5 3 132012 16 1,695 11 5 3 132013 5 16 4 1 0 52014 12 307 11 1 0 122015 13 3,990 11 2 0 132016 16 1,798 11 5 4 122017 14 1,102 11 3 6 82008 27 3,100 10 17 19 82009 27 3,210 9 18 19 82010 22 3,405 11 11 16 62011 17 4,147 6 11 13 42012 18 4,247 6 12 14 42013 12 2,725 3 9 8 42014 19 5,680 10 9 9 102015 20 3,009 8 12 15 52016 17 3,883 10 7 12 52017 13 2,438 6 7 10 32008 28 2,618 18 10 15 132009 28 2,710 17 11 15 132010 26 2,196 20 6 18 82011 25 3,128 17 8 16 92012 25 3,128 17 8 16 92013 19 6,406 10 9 11 82014 22 7,223 12 10 10 122015 23 2,298 16 7 14 92016 30 5,492 20 10 9 212017 17 3,852 10 7 8 9

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4.2 Wetland Status

The average surveyed water capacity (%) in the wetlands in the 4 regions were between 40% and 68% in 2017 due to the drier

winter and spring in comparison to 2016 where the average water capacity was much higher (between 70% and 86%) and the

reduced River Murray inflows compared to 2016. The highest average water capacity was recorded in the Coorong in 2014 at 89%

(Figure 1). There were no dry sites in any of the 4 regions surveyed in 2017 (Figure 2).

Figure 2 Average water coverage at survey sites by region (2003–2017)

Figure 3 Number of dry survey sites by region (2003–2017)

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4.3 Overall Waterfowl Abundance

Abundance information from the South Australian Waterbird Surveys

The 2017 South Australian waterfowl survey recorded 49,983 birds in the 4 regions compared to the 10,703 birds recorded in 2016.

This year’s bird population is 4.7 times higher than that of the 2016 count. The present bird population count is similar to the 2005

count which recorded 48,554 birds (Table 3) and was slightly lesser compared to the 2015 count of 59,117 birds (Figure 3). In

2017, 49,983 game birds and 676 protected species (Freckled Duck, Blue-billed Duck and Musk Duck) were observed for a total

count of 50,659 birds. The total surveyed wetland area was approximately 10,869 hectares equating to 4.6 game ducks per hectare,

the highest density of ducks per Ha since 2015.

Table 3 shows the duck abundance totals from 2003-2017.

Figure 4 depicts the trends in the proportions of duck game species counted by the ground surveys across 4 regions in South

Australia. The increase in the abundance of the Grey Teal Duck in 2017 is significant compared to the 2016 period as are the

relative proportions of Chestnut Teal and Hard Head Ducks.

Figure 6Figure 5 shows the relative number of species surveyed across the four surveyed districts in South Australia. In 2017, the

Grey Teal duck species made up the highest proportion at 68% of the total ducks counted in ground surveys, followed by Chestnut

Teal (11.6%), Hardhead Duck (7.3%), Pink-eared Duck (6.0), Black Duck (4.6%), Mountain Duck (3.4%), Wood Duck (1.7%) and the

least was the Blue-winged Shoveler (0.3%) (Table 4). There was a 4.7 times increase in the population of the total birds counted in

the 2017 survey when compared to the data in 2016. However, the relative number of bird species were very much lower when

compared to 2011-2014 period.

Figure 4 Trends in the annual abundance in duck game species, South Australian Surveys (2008–2017)

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Figure 5 Proportion of total abundance in games species from South Australian Surveys (2008-2017)

Figure 6 Total duck count by SA survey region (2008-2017) Figure 6 shows the waterbird abundance (including ducks) to have increased compared to the 2016 level, however, the abundance is still below the long term mean.

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Table 3 South Australian surveys: duck abundance totals (2003–2017)

Table 4 South Australian surveys; Proportion (percentage) of all duck counted by species (2003–2017)

Year Grey TealChestnut

TealBlack Duck Wood Duck

Mountain Duck

Blue- winged Shoveler

Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 43,948 3,177 2,801 1,389 1,102 1,428 8,126 16,946 78,9172004 39,789 2,746 3,038 801 3,869 2,118 4,673 6,762 63,7962005 27,339 1,848 7,824 522 4,583 1,956 3,190 1,292 48,5542006 22,881 2,078 2,096 441 4,216 1,178 1,520 3,396 37,8062007 22,594 2,055 1,709 501 4,537 908 1,792 1,589 35,6852008 25,031 2,398 1,724 819 3,129 1,518 1,093 794 36,5062009 39,626 3,232 2,955 724 3,539 1,364 7,084 2,088 60,6122010 3,801 826 1,733 1,051 5,609 86 760 33 13,8992011 86,256 7,341 3,689 1,661 5,482 715 26,342 4,358 135,8442012 127,695 5,734 5,311 1,686 11,422 2,331 13,434 7,472 175,0852013 89,105 2,658 689 627 2,052 4,419 8,435 7,353 115,3372014 130,353 5,084 2,982 613 10,730 2,634 2,967 15,915 171,2772015 28,392 7,630 1,243 464 7,251 6,374 2,277 5,487 59,1172016 2,200 401 997 724 6,112 87 83 107 10,7092017 34,009 5,776 2,324 841 1,692 171 3,636 1,535 49,983

average 48,201 3,532 2,741 858 5,022 1,819 5,694 5,008 72,875

To

tal



Mountain Duck


Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 55.7 4.0 3.5 1.8 1.4 1.8 10.3 21.5 1002004 62.4 4.3 4.8 1.3 6.1 3.3 7.3 10.6 1002005 56.3 3.8 16.1 1.1 9.4 4.0 6.6 2.7 1002006 60.5 5.5 5.5 1.2 11.2 3.1 4.0 9.0 1002007 63.3 5.8 4.8 1.4 12.7 2.5 5.0 4.5 1002008 68.6 6.6 4.7 2.2 8.6 4.2 3.0 2.2 1002009 65.4 5.3 4.9 1.2 5.8 2.3 11.7 3.4 1002010 27.3 5.9 12.5 7.6 40.4 0.6 5.5 0.2 1002011 63.5 5.4 2.7 1.2 4.0 0.5 19.4 3.2 1002012 72.9 3.3 3.0 1.0 6.5 1.3 7.7 4.3 1002013 77.3 2.3 0.6 0.5 1.8 3.8 7.3 6.4 1002014 76.1 3.0 1.7 0.4 6.3 1.5 1.7 9.3 1002015 48.0 12.9 2.1 0.8 12.3 10.8 3.9 9.3 1002016 20.5 3.7 9.3 6.8 57.1 0.8 0.8 1.0 1002017 68.0 11.6 4.6 1.7 3.4 0.3 7.3 3.1 100

average 59.1 5.6 5.4 2.0 12.5 2.7 6.8 6.0 100.0

To

tal

18

Summary of information from the Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey

The summary of the 2017 EAAWS report is presented below:

1. Temperatures have been well-above average for Australia during 2017. Rainfall was above average for Australia as a

whole for 2017, but with marked regional variation. However, rainfall has been below average in Tasmania, eastern

Victoria, much of New South Wales and inland Queensland (BOM 2017). Dry conditions persisted throughout central

and western Queensland, with much of the state remaining drought declared (Qld Dept. of Agriculture & Fisheries

2017)

2. Total waterbird abundance increased considerably from 2016 but remains well below average: the 12th lowest in 35

years. Waterbirds were concentrated in bands 2 and 9 (Figure 7 and Figure 12)Figure 1

3. The total game species ducks for the 2017 count was 150,642 ducks whilst the overall waterbirds count (all species)

was 238,603 birds

4. Breeding species’ richness, breeding abundance, and wetland area declined sharply compared to the previous year.

Despite some short term increases, there were continued long term declines in total abundance, wetland area and

breeding species richness (Figure 7, Figure 9 and Figure 10)

5. Wetland area index was well below the long term average (Figure 9). Most Lake Eyre and Cooper Creek wetlands were

dry. Other important wetlands in the Lake Eyre Basin including the Diamantina and Georgina rivers, supported low

numbers of waterbirds. Lakes Torquinnie and Mumbleberry were dry. Lake Galilee was partially flooded and supported

a large number of waterbirds - almost a third of the survey total (Figure 1)

6. The Macquarie Marshes and Lowbidgee wetlands were partially flooded and supported low to moderate numbers of

waterbirds with low breeding. Most the large lakes in the Menindee Lakes were partially filled with relatively few birds;

the Tallywalk Lakes system was dry

7. Waterbirds were concentrated in relatively few important sites; Lake Galilee (Band 9) and Band 2 supported a

significant portion of the survey total. These two areas held almost two thirds of total waterbirds (64%) and

8. supported high species diversity (Figure 1)

9. Total breeding index (all species combined) was low and well below the long term average. Breeding species’ richness

was also low, with 6 species recorded breeding (Figure 13)

10. Most games species abundances were well below long term averages, in some cases by an order of magnitude. Grey

Teal was an exception with total abundance near the long term average.

19

Figure 7 Waterbird abundance (including ducks) across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017)

Figure 8 Comparison in total species counts of ducks from Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird survey (2007-2017)

The Wetland area index Figure 9 across eastern Australia in the 2017 survey rose above the 2016 value as well as crossing above

the long term mean for the index. The number of species breeding across Eastern Australia for the 2017 survey reduced when

compared against 2016 and was below the long term mean.

20

Figure 9 Wetland area index across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017)

Figure 10 Number of waterbird species breeding across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017)

The EAAWS’ total breeding index was lower than the long term average (Figure 11) which corresponds with the lower number of

breeding bird species (Figure 10) across eastern Australia.

It was also noted that Bands 2 and 9 registered the highest waterbird counts in the EAAW survey (Band 2 – South East South

Australia and southern Victoria; Band 9 – mid Queensland at Lake Galilee) as shown in Figure 12. The Breeding Index showed the

highest number of breeding birds in Band 1 (Figure 13) whilst Figure 14 depicts the Wetlands area index across eastern Australia

in 2017 by survey transects (bands).

21

Figure 11 Breeding index across eastern Australia (1983-2017) (Porter et al., 2017)

Figure 12 Number of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017)

Figure 13 The breeding index of waterbirds across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017)

22

Figure 14 Wetlands area index across eastern Australia in 2017 by survey transects (bands) (Porter et al., 2017)

23

4.4 Analysis of distribution and abundance for game species

Nomadic Species

Figure 15 Trends in the nomadic species of duck (2004-2017)

Grey Teal

Grey Teals are a highly abundant and strongly nomadic species that will exploit a range of aquatic habitats with varying food

resources. In 2017, the Grey Teal was the most dominant specie representing 68% of the total duck counted at the surveyed sites.

The Grey Teal density is above 3.12 ducks per hectare for the 2017 survey (Figure 15).

Hardhead Duck

Hardhead are aquatic ducks that show a preference for inland areas when wetland conditions are favourable. Hardhead abundance

in 2017 accounted for 7.3% of the total game bird count with 3,636 ducks recorded across the four regions. The 2017 survey

showed that there was an increase in the density of Hardhead duck to 0.33 duck per Ha compared to the 2016 density (0.01 duck

per Ha).

Pink-eared Duck

Pink-eared Ducks are extreme nomads that will often move vast distances in quick-time to find favourable conditions. They are

generally regarded as birds of the interior but will adopt coastal areas when climatic conditions dictate. From 2014-16, there was

has been a slightly decreasing trend in the Pink-eared Duck density per hectare ratio, however, a slight increase was observed in

2017 (0.14 duck per Ha) (Figure 15).

24

Residential Species

Figure 16 Trends in the residential species of ducks (2004-2017)

Chestnut Teal

Chestnut Teal is a relatively residential species. In 2017, the Chestnut Teal Duck recorded a sharp increase to 0.53 ducks per Ha

compared to the 2016 density of in the duck density per Ha ratio compared to 2016 (0.04 duck per Ha). Similar increase in the

density trends were also observed in 2011 and 2015, respectively (Figure 16).

Mountain Duck

The Mountain Duck is also classified as a residential species. Since 2014, the density of the Mountain Duck in South Australia has

gradually been in decline, registering the lowest density in the 2017 survey at 0.16 duck per Ha (Figure 16).

Pacific Black Duck

The Pacific Black Duck density increased to 0.21 duck per Ha in the 2017 survey as compared to 2016 (0.1 duck per Ha)(Figure 16).

Pacific Black Ducks are considered to be a much more widespread and abundant species than the survey results indicate as the

annual survey potentially underestimates their abundance due to their preference to loaf in pairs or small groups and use

vegetated wetlands quite secretively. The birds use tree hollows for nesting, at a time coinciding with the October survey, further

reducing the probability of detection. However, given the survey methodology has been consistently applied since 2003, apparent

trends in Pacific Black Duck numbers can be observed.

25

Wood Duck

In 2017, the number of Wood Ducks recorded was 841 birds or representing 1.7% of the total duck population surveyed. The 2017

survey showed the Wood Duck density was 0.1 duck per Ha, similar to the 2016 density (Figure 16). The abundance of Wood Duck

is not truly reflected by the project methodology. The species tends to congregate in small groups (commonly 2-12 birds) at farm

dams, tanks, farmhouses, and amongst irrigated pasture.

Blue-winged Shoveler (Australasian Shoveler)

Blue-winged Shoveler (listed as Rare in South Australia) constituted only 0.3% of the total duck population in the 2017 survey and

the duck density was 0.02 duck per Ha (Figure 16). The Shoveler is an invertebrate feeder requiring optimal water quantity and

quality. Over 64% of the species records came from the South East district in SA.

4.5 Duck species composition within each district

Of note in 2017 across all regions is the high proportion of the nomadic Grey Teal and high proportion of the residential species;

Chestnut Teal and Hard Head (Figure 17).

Figure 17 Duck survey results, distribution by region 2017

Figure 17 illustrates that the number of waterfowl observed by ground counts in 2017 was dominated in all four regions by Grey

Teals, while for Chestnut Teal, the observed numbers were evenly split between 2 regions (the South East and Coorong). The

majority of Hard Head and Blue-winged Shoveler were observed in the Coorong whilst the majority of Wood Duck were

predominantly in the Murraylands. Pink-eared ducks were found predominantly in the Coorong and Murraylands.

26

Figure 18 Proportion of total game duck species observed by region for 2017

Murraylands

Murraylands surveys in 2017 observed most species at their highest abundance since 2003. Grey Teal in the largest proportion

with 12,042 birds counted representing approximately 83% of the region’s total count. Mountain and Pink-eared Ducks were the

next 2 populous species with counts of 572 and 628 birds, respectively, while Chestnut Teals were the lowest in the region with 9

counts. A total of 20 Blue-winged shoveler were counted in 2017. Refer to Table 5 for summaries of duck counts, Figure 19Figure

20 for a graphical representation of the survey counts and Figure 20 for a representation of species composition.

Table 5 Duck counts by species: Murraylands District (2003–2017)



Mountain Duck


Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 8,945 321 1,297 970 650 144 548 463 13,3382004 6,366 60 361 456 534 45 221 175 8,2182005 6,914 85 727 104 929 275 543 926 10,5032006 9,170 75 741 247 1,711 338 1,043 2,517 15,8422007 3,992 106 355 210 1,141 97 502 964 7,3672008 2,525 67 352 526 660 21 77 109 4,3372009 4,397 66 845 616 421 18 274 286 6,9232010 2,641 269 748 435 1,918 19 618 26 6,6742011 7,798 75 360 420 403 5 1,018 126 10,2052012 11,828 34 813 598 1,172 5 1,278 1,431 17,1592013 5,087 13 224 392 792 14 44 635 7,2002014 10,195 295 1,119 295 1,414 458 146 2,764 16,6842015 6,518 257 454 269 635 81 411 2,415 11,0402016 584 0 198 173 477 9 14 66 1,5212017 12,042 9 540 569 572 20 38 628 14,416

Mu

rray

lan

ds

27

Figure 19 Murraylands survey count by duck species (2008–2017)

Figure 20 Murraylands duck species composition (2003–2017)

28

Fleurieu

Fleurieu surveys in 2017 showed the Blue-winged Shoveler to be the lowest in abundance, similar to the results obtained in the

2008 and 2014 surveys. However, the Grey Teal was again the most abundant species in the 2017 survey, registering a count of

2,552 birds or representing approximately 78% of the total ducks counted in this region. Refer to Table 6 for a summary of

historical counts, Figure 21 for a graphical representation of the survey counts and Figure 22 for a representation of species

composition.

Table 6 Duck counts, by species: Fleurieu District (2003–2017)

Figure 21 Fleurieu survey count by duck species (2003–2017)



Mountain Duck


Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 717 81 596 396 4 57 191 108 2,1502004 1,334 48 501 298 6 146 302 128 2,7632005 636 115 359 392 0 225 270 306 2,3032006 653 67 281 192 32 135 325 452 2,1372007 1,278 58 509 291 55 56 649 469 3,3652008 2,923 130 563 203 101 29 432 293 4,6742009 1,989 49 604 87 403 54 563 60 3,8092010 225 25 676 559 30 39 0 0 1,5542011 2,986 219 577 1,151 193 20 427 37 5,6102012 2,054 108 640 1,025 216 20 418 149 4,6302013 245 29 78 78 0 9 81 0 5202014 1,592 106 330 193 54 7 342 17 2,6392015 1,427 174 206 132 374 51 121 491 2,9762016 89 50 219 204 4 32 17 9 6222017 2,552 83 262 157 56 9 120 30 3,268

Fle

uri

eu

29

Figure 22 Fleurieu duck species composition (2003–2017)

Coorong

Coorong surveys in 2017 showed a much greater population of ducks when compared to the count in 2016. Grey Teal was the

most abundant species with a count of 11,298 birds or representing 62% of the total ducks counted, followed by Hard Head Ducks

at 2,598 birds (14.3%). Wood Duck was of the lowest abundance with 69 ducks while 108 Blue-winged Shovelers were counted in

the Coorong region. Refer to Table 7 for a summary of historical counts, Figure 23 for a graphical representation of the survey

counts and Figure 24 for a representation of species composition.

Table 7 Duck counts, by species: Coorong District (2003–2017)



Mountain Duck


Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 22,942 2,311 600 16 111 1,061 3,589 6,911 37,5412004 18,699 842 1,029 38 1,457 778 3,292 6,051 32,1862005 8,838 922 1,098 26 312 526 1,751 26 13,4992006 9,972 943 462 0 1,802 659 78 420 14,3362007 7,868 483 492 0 822 195 157 0 10,0172008 13,555 607 468 20 629 86 177 342 15,8842009 26,411 2,317 760 6 583 30 3,987 1,028 35,1222010 513 167 88 21 880 5 59 6 1,7392011 35,339 5,255 1,597 48 630 8 3,192 3,402 49,4712012 37,692 1,930 2,485 28 978 308 2,921 1,599 47,9412013 63,839 1,363 280 100 108 147 3,564 6,705 76,1062014 46,148 2,199 527 100 1,836 328 653 9,125 60,9152015 14,271 2,878 478 0 1,524 299 1,604 2,051 23,1042016 387 182 291 73 630 1 0 0 1,5632017 11,298 2,423 570 69 327 108 2,598 715 18,108

Co

oro

ng

30

Figure 23 Coorong survey count by duck species (2008–2017)

Figure 24 Coorong duck species composition (2004–2017)

31

South East

The South-East surveys in 2017 observed Grey Teal Duck to be the highest abundant species with a count of 8,118 ducks or 59.2%

of the total bird population counted. Chestnut Teal Duck was the second most abundant species with 3,261 birds or approximately

22.9% of the total birds counted in the South East. The duck species with the lowest abundance was the Blue-winged Shoveler

with a count of only 35 birds. Refer to Table 8 for a summary of historical counts, Figure 25 for a graphical representation of the

survey counts and Figure 26 for a representation of species composition.

Table 8 Duck counts, by species: South East District (2003–2017)

Figure 25 South East survey count by duck species (2008–2017)



Mountain Duck


Hard HeadPink-eared

DuckTotals

2003 11,344 464 308 7 337 166 3,798 9,464 25,8882004 13,390 1,796 1,147 9 1,872 1,149 858 408 20,6292005 10,951 726 5,640 0 3,342 930 626 34 22,2492006 3,086 993 612 2 671 46 74 7 5,4912007 9,456 1,408 353 0 2,519 560 484 156 14,9362008 6,028 1,594 341 70 1,739 1,382 407 50 11,6112009 6,829 800 746 15 2,132 1,262 2,260 714 14,7582010 422 365 221 36 2,781 23 83 1 3,9322011 40,133 1,792 1,155 42 4,256 682 21,705 793 70,5582012 76,121 3,662 1,373 35 9,056 1,998 8,817 4,293 105,3552013 19,934 1,253 107 57 1,152 4,249 4,746 13 31,5112014 72,419 2,485 1,006 26 7,427 1,842 1,826 4,009 91,0392015 6,178 4,321 104 63 4,718 5,943 142 530 21,9982016 1,140 169 290 274 5,001 45 52 32 7,0032017 8,118 3,261 953 46 737 35 880 162 14,192

So

uth

Eas

t

32

Figure 26 South East duck species composition (2003–2017)

33

4.6 Waterfowl Density

Waterfowl density is calculated by dividing the number of waterfowl counted in each district by the wetland area surveyed.

There are many variables that affect the accuracy of this figure. Each year the survey effort, survey area, number of replicate

counts and survey expertise varies. The derived figures are considered to be an indicative trend only.

The average density of ducks from all wetlands in 2017 was 4.6 ducks per hectare. This compares with the following

historical data from 2010:

0.6 ducks per hectare in 2016






1.4 ducks per hectare in 2010.

At the regional scale, waterfowl densities were much higher than the previous 12 months in all surveyed regions (Figure

27).

Figure 27 Density of total ducks (all species) in each survey district (2003–2017)

34

5 CONCLUSIONS The spring 2017 waterfowl survey confirmed the expected condition of many of the state’s important wetland areas and

provided DEWNR with a good understanding of the presence and abundance of waterfowl at sites in south-eastern South

Australia. This survey was not designed to accurately measure total abundance of duck species at a regional scale. The

selected sites are a representative sample of wetland area in each district. From these areas we learn about the composition

of species, ratio of one species to another and abundance at a particular site at a specific time.

Wetland conditions in all districts is moderately high based on observations and the average (above average in some areas)

rainfalls in all regions. At the continental scale, 2017 has been a substantially drier year across the eastern region with

highest waterbird numbers observed, primarily concentrated in the South East of the Country and Lake Galilee in

Queensland.

In 2017, approximately 49,938 ducks were counted from ground surveyed wetlands area of approximately 10,868 hectares

in SA, resulting in an average density of 4.6 ducks per hectare. This figure is 7.7 times higher than the 2016 density of 0.6

duck per Ha. Signs of breeding were observed in about a third of the surveyed sites.

From the average density of waterfowls obtained from this survey, we need to understand and take into account the

environmental conditions that has brought the increase in the concentrations of ducks to a limited number of wetlands.

Based on the Climatic data and visual observations, the higher density may be due to:

Limited dispersal across wetlands Eastern Australia due to the drier climatic conditions and potential concentration

near the coastal habitats of Southern Australia

Cryptic behaviour of birds at SA sites related to breeding

Decrease in the vegetation and food resources throughout Australia due to the drier climate

The duck species with the highest abundance is the Grey Teal Duck comprising of 68% of all game species observed

followed by the next abundant species, the Chestnut Teal Duck at 11.6%. The non-game duck species (Freckled, Blue-billed

and Musk Ducks) were observed only in limited numbers (676 ducks in total in 2017 compared to the 147 ducks in 2016).

Volunteers helped support the collection of the waterfowl and wetland data and we are very grateful for their enthusiasm

and ongoing support of the project. Some have a strong connection with local wetlands and are keen to survey them on

an ongoing basis.

At the continental scale, 2017 has been a year of average rainfall. The 35th Eastern Australian Aerial Waterbird Survey

(EAAWS) confirms that waterbird numbers have increased relative to 2016 but continue to be below the long term average

with waterbirds potentially being concentrated in the wetlands in the South East and Coorong in South Australia, and

southern Victoria wetland habitats. Although the wetland area index increased in the 2017 survey, this did not correlate

positively with improvements in the number of breeding species and waterbird breeding index which showed values

trending below the long term means. In the 2017 survey, the number of bird species were found to be higher in Bands 2

and 9, indicating higher proportions of birds concentrated within these bands due to the availability of suitable wetland

habitats for breeding while many of the other bands (1, 3-8 and 10) were drier as a whole.

35

6 References Bureau of Meteorology (2017), accessed 21, 23, 27 November 2017, http://www.bom.gov.au Porter JL, Kingsford RT and Kate B (2017). Aerial Survey of Wetland Birds in Eastern Australia – October 2017 Annual Summary Report. pp. 30.

36

7 Appendices 7.1 Appendix 1: Example Waterfowl Survey Data Sheet 2017

Please return data sheet to: Email: [email protected] Tel: 08 8207 7736 0409098535

Post: Attention: Jason Higham Conservation and Sustainability Unit, DEWNR GPO Box 1047, Adelaide, SA, 5001

Please ensure all details are completed before submitting these sheets.

Waterfowl surveys are being undertaken to enable us to learn more about the abundance, species composition and location of ducks throughout wetlands in the southern bio-regions of South Australia. Data collected during October/November 2017 will assist the decision-making process relating to the 2018 Duck and Quail hunting season.

Survey Methods The purpose of the survey: To accurately count the number of individuals of each duck species, at the time of your survey. To conduct a simple wetland assessment, following the table provided.

It is important that you count the number of each duck species accurately within the area you have chosen. The technique you use will depend on the type of wetland being surveyed. Ducks are the focus of this survey, but feel free to count other species if time and inclination prevail.

Area search – Appropriate for parts of a wetland where visibility is unobstructed and a wide open area can be scanned using a spotting scope or binoculars. Birds should be identified and counted until all individuals within the field of view have been tallied.

Point Count – Best suited to sites where visibility is obstructed. Species either seen or heard are counted from a series of fixed points. Usually no points should be closer than 200m (to avoid double-counting). In some situations you may want to walk along a transect (for example, a wetland edge) and do a series of point counts along the way.

There is no specified time limit for each wetland survey. Survey duration will be dependent on wetland size and waterfowl abundance.

Date: ________________ Survey Location: GOOLWA EFFLUENT PONDS Time Survey began: ___________________________ Time Survey concluded: ____________________________ What is the approximate size of the area you surveyed (hectares)? ___________________________________ (1 hectare = 100m x 100m)

Organisation/Agency represented: ________________________________ Number of Observers: _____________ Observer Names: ______________________________________________________________________________

Wind Strength: Still Slight breeze Moderate wind Strong wind

Cloud Cover: 0/8 (No cloud) 2/8 4/8 6/8 8/8 (100% cloud) Approximate Temperature: ___________C

37

Duck Species

Number of individuals sighted Signs of breeding?

Scope / binoculars

used? on the water overhead

Adult Immature Adult Immature

Grey Teal

Chestnut Teal

Pacific Black Duck

Wood Duck

Mountain Duck

Blue-winged Shoveler

Hard head

Pink-eared duck

Freckled duck

Blue-billed duck

Musk duck

Wetlands physical assessment 1. Estimate the current water holding capacity of the wetland. No Water (0) the wetland is completely dry Low (1) isolated shallow pools drying back within the wetland Moderate (3) water level is noticeably lower than the top of the banks High (5) water is high on the banks, possibility of water spilling outside the normal boundaries of the wetland.

Score___________(0-5) 2. Is there a water depth marker at the survey site? If yes, how deep is the water? Yes ______________ No 3. Aquatic Fauna: is a subjective score according to the abundance and diversity of invertebrates, fish and birds located on or within the body of water. Low (1) refers to no fish or birds with little or no invertebrate presence Moderate (3) refers to some bird presence and good invertebrate abundance, fish usually are not present High (5) indicates good bird and invertebrate diversity and abundance with the presence of fish Score_____________(1-5)

4. Aquatic Flora: records the abundance and diversity of aquatic vegetation Low (1) indicates little or no aquatic vegetation Moderate (3) indicates some aquatic vegetation cover, either in the form of floating or rooted vegetation High (5) indicates good diversity of aquatic vegetation with a range of rooted vegetation such as reeds and rushes

and floating vegetation such as water ribbons. Score ______________(1-5)

38

GOOLWA EFFLUENT PONDS

Please indicate the approximate location(s) of your survey on the above map

39

7.2 Appendix 2: Historical waterfowl abundance data by SA region (2003-2017)


TealBlack Duck

Wood Duck

Mountain Duck

Blue- winged

Shoveler

Hard Head

Pink-eared Duck

Totals# ducks (inc. FDU, BBD.

MUD)

2003 8,945 321 1,297 970 650 144 548 463 13,338 13,338 2004 6,366 60 361 456 534 45 221 175 8,218 8,218 2005 6,914 85 727 104 929 275 543 926 10,503 10,503 2006 9,170 75 741 247 1,711 338 1,043 2,517 15,842 15,842 2007 3,992 106 355 210 1,141 97 502 964 7,367 7,367 2008 2,525 67 352 526 660 21 77 109 4,337 4,337 2009 4,397 66 845 616 421 18 274 286 6,923 6,923 2010 2,641 269 748 435 1,918 19 618 26 6,674 6,674 2011 7,798 75 360 420 403 5 1,018 126 10,205 10,212 2012 11,828 34 813 598 1,172 5 1,278 1,431 17,159 17,184 2013 5,087 13 224 392 792 14 44 635 7,200 7,235 2014 10,195 295 1,119 295 1,414 458 146 2,764 16,684 16,744 2015 6,518 257 454 269 635 81 411 2,415 11,040 11,209 2016 584 - 198 173 477 9 14 66 1,521 1,566 2017 12,042 9 540 569 572 20 38 628 14,416 14,4712003 717 81 596 396 4 57 191 108 2,150 2,150 2004 1,334 48 501 298 6 146 302 128 2,763 2,763 2005 636 115 359 392 - 225 270 306 2,303 2,303 2006 653 67 281 192 32 135 325 452 2,137 2,137 2007 1,278 58 509 291 55 56 649 469 3,365 3,365 2008 2,923 130 563 203 101 29 432 293 4,674 4,674 2009 1,989 49 604 87 403 54 563 60 3,809 3,879 2010 225 25 676 559 30 39 - - 1,554 1,554 2011 2,986 219 577 1,151 193 20 427 37 5,610 5,635 2012 2,054 108 640 1,025 216 20 418 149 4,630 4,671 2013 245 29 78 78 - 9 81 - 520 520 2014 1,592 106 330 193 54 7 342 17 2,639 2,643 2015 1,427 174 206 132 374 51 121 491 2,976 3,337 2016 89 50 219 204 4 32 17 9 622 647 2017 2,552 83 262 157 56 9 120 30 3,268 3,3002003 22,942 2,311 600 16 111 1,061 3,589 6,911 37,541 37,541 2004 18,699 842 1,029 38 1,457 778 3,292 6,051 32,186 32,186 2005 8,838 922 1,098 26 312 526 1,751 26 13,499 13,499 2006 9,972 943 462 - 1,802 659 78 420 14,336 14,336 2007 7,868 483 492 - 822 195 157 - 10,017 10,017 2008 13,555 607 468 20 629 86 177 342 15,884 15,884 2009 26,411 2,317 760 6 583 30 3,987 1,028 35,122 35,122 2010 513 167 88 21 880 5 59 6 1,739 1,739 2011 35,339 5,255 1,597 48 630 8 3,192 3,402 49,471 49,531 2012 37,692 1,930 2,485 28 978 308 2,921 1,599 47,941 47,970 2013 63,839 1,363 280 100 108 147 3,564 6,705 76,106 76,126 2014 46,148 2,199 527 100 1,836 328 653 9,125 60,915 61,130 2015 14,271 2,878 478 - 1,524 299 1,604 2,051 23,104 23,121 2016 387 182 291 73 630 1 - - 1,563 1,569 2017 11,298 2,423 570 69 327 108 2,598 715 18,108 1,5692003 11,344 464 308 7 337 166 3,798 9,464 25,888 25,888 2004 13,390 1,796 1,147 9 1,872 1,149 858 408 20,629 20,629 2005 10,951 726 5,640 - 3,342 930 626 34 22,249 22,249 2006 3,086 993 612 2 671 46 74 7 5,491 5,491 2007 9,456 1,408 353 - 2,519 560 484 156 14,936 14,936 2008 6,028 1,594 341 70 1,739 1,382 407 50 11,611 11,611 2009 6,829 800 746 15 2,132 1,262 2,260 714 14,758 14,758 2010 422 365 221 36 2,781 23 83 1 3,932 3,932 2011 40,133 1,792 1,155 42 4,256 682 21,705 793 70,558 70,736 2012 76,121 3,662 1,373 35 9,056 1,998 8,817 4,293 105,355 105,956 2013 19,934 1,253 107 57 1,152 4,249 4,746 13 31,511 31,875 2014 72,419 2,485 1,006 26 7,427 1,842 1,826 4,009 91,039 92,285 2015 6,178 4,321 104 63 4,718 5,943 142 530 21,998 22,270 2016 501 104 107 77 1,824 30 24 - 2,665 2,545 2017 8,118 3,261 953 46 737 35 880 162 14,192 2,545

Mur

rayl

ands

Fleu

rieu

Coor

ong

Sout

h Ea

st

40

7.3 Appendix 3: South East Aerial Survey Data (2017)

District Year Grey TealChestnut

TealBlack Duck

Wood

Duck

Mountain

Duck

Blue‐

winged

Shoveler

Hard HeadPink‐eared

DuckTOTALS

# ducks

(inc. FDU,

BBD.

MUD)

SA:

Murraylands2017 12,147 104 331 231 1,356 ‐ 420 587 15,176 15,196

SA: South East

and Coorong2017 325,032 3,454 1,385 567 22,411 4,201 1,155 302 358,507 358,507

SA Aerial Total 337,179 3,558 1,716 798 23,767 4,201 1,575 889 373,683 373,703

assessment of waterfowl abundance and wetland …...and wetland condition, for application to the...

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