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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 109(3)

Associations between salinity and use of non-riverine wetland habitats by diurnal birds

Michael J. Smith A D , Michael P. Scroggie A E , E. Sabine G. Schreiber B , Ed McNabb A , Garry Cheers C , Phoebe Macak A , Richard Loyn A and Keely Ough A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 123 Brown Street, PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.

B Environmental Water Reserve and River Health Division, Department of Sustainability and Environment, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.

C 525 Maryborough-Dunnolly Road, Havelock, Vic. 3465, Australia.

D Present address: Parks Australia, Christmas Island, WA 6798, Australia.

E Corresponding author. Email: michael.scroggie@dse.vic.gov.au

Emu 109(3) 252-259 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU08044
Submitted: 21 August 2008  Accepted: 8 May 2009   Published: 8 September 2009

Abstract

The secondary salinisation of wetlands is a global problem that poses a profound threat to freshwater biodiversity. We examined wetland use by diurnal birds in relation to wetland salinity in the Wimmera region of south-eastern Australia to better understand the threat posed to biodiversity by secondary salinisation. Forty species of birds were detected in 66 non-riverine wetlands that spanned the broad range of salinities encountered among wetlands in the study region. Use of wetlands by birds was related to conductivity of water using a statistical model that accounted for imperfect detection of bird species during the surveys. Of the 40 species encountered during the study, it was estimated that 20 (95% credible interval 17–24) would respond positively to increasing salinity, and 20 (95% credible interval 16–23) would respond negatively to increased salinity. Expected species numbers are highest in wetlands of intermediate salinity. Our results accord well with our existing understanding of wetland use and salinity for most bird species we encountered, and show that expected future increases in wetland salinity are likely to dramatically alter patterns of wetland use by birds.


Acknowledgements

This research was supported by multi-regional funding from the National Action Plan for Salinity (Project number 202167). We thank numerous private landowners for access to wetlands on their properties and the Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and community of the Wimmera region for their support and cooperation. This research was conducted with the permission of Parks Victoria (Permit Number: 10002156), Victorian State Forests (Permit Number: 2004–02–001), and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.


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