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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 105(3)

Breeding numbers and population trends of Wedge-tailed Shearwater (Puffinus pacificus) and Black Noddy (Anous minutus) in the Capricornia Cays, southern Great Barrier Reef

P. K. Dyer A D , P. O’Neill B and K. Hulsman C
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Qld 4558, Australia.

B Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, PO Box 3130, Rockhampton Shopping Fair, Qld 4701, Australia.

C Australian School of Environmental Studies, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: dyer@usc.edu.au

Emu 105(3) 249-257 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU04011
Submitted: 12 February 2004  Accepted: 19 July 2005   Published: 12 October 2005

Abstract

Wedge-tailed Shearwaters and Black Noddies are the two numerically dominant seabird species found in the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. This research provides baseline breeding population estimates for nine of 16 islands in the Capricornia Group over five years for Shearwaters (1996–2000) and four years for Noddies (1997–2000). With estimates of ~302 000 active breeding pairs of Black Noddies and ~560 000 breeding pairs of Wedge-tailed Shearwaters in the area, the research results have confirmed the importance of the Capricornia Group as a recognised breeding area for these birds.


Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority through the day-to-day management program for the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This support included supply of vessels and crew, in-kind support of staff, and sustenance for QPWS officers and staff and student volunteers from USC, Griffith University and The University of Queensland. The enthusiastic cooperation and persistence of all involved in this daunting task is greatly appreciated, as are critical comments of the draft manuscript by Jennifer Carter. The location diagram was prepared by Chamendra Hewavisenthi and assistance with earlier GIS work kindly given by Kate Mulville, Rebecca White and Michael Herring.


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