A case study of the conservation value of a small tourist resort island: Birds of Rottnest Island, Western Australia 1905-2007

Abstract

The avifauna of Rottnest Island, off the southwest coast of Western Australia, has been studied by three authorities from 1953?1963, 1980?1992 and 1998?2007. In addition, several annotated bird lists have been published since 1905. Over the period 1905 to 2007, 101 species have been recorded from the island, including 41 species of vagrant (species rarely seen with no pattern of occurrence) that have not changed in status over the 102 years. Of the 60 species recorded as part of the island?s avifauna, 24 have apparently not changed in status over that period. Thirty-five species have changed in status and/or abundance, including nine species of transequatorial migrant; all Charadriiformes. Seven of these species were formerly absent or vagrants but now are regular visitors, several possibly as a result of range extensions. Two species of transequatorial migrant, formerly regarded as members of the island?s avifauna, have become vagrants. Six passerine and one non-passerine species have resident populations that are isolated on the island with no populations on the adjacent mainland. Populations of three of these species are sufficiently different from mainland populations to constitute conservation management units. Rottnest Island is managed as a holiday resort. In the past this management has compromised some of the conservation values. Recommendations for dedicated monitoring programmes and management for the conservation of the island?s avifauna are provided.