Selecting a suite of potential partner sites for the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary to aid shorebird conservation in the East Asian–Australasian Flyway
David W. Mehlman A F , James A. Fitzsimons
B C , Arkellah Irving D , Jason Irving D and Boze Hancock E
A The Nature Conservancy, 322 Tyler Road NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87107, USA.
B The Nature Conservancy, Suite 2-01, 60 Leicester Street, Carlton, Vic. 3053, Australia.
C School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Vic. 3125, Australia.
D Department for Environment and Water, 81–95 Waymouth Street, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia.
E The Nature Conservancy, c/o University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, 215 South Ferry Road, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA.
F Corresponding author. Email: dmehlman@centurylink.net
Pacific Conservation Biology 26(1) 67-77 https://doi.org/10.1071/PC18084
Submitted: 3 November 2018 Accepted: 21 May 2019 Published: 8 July 2019
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2020 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Migratory shorebird species depend on a suite of interconnected sites and protection of these sites as part of a network is an increasingly used conservation approach. Partnering sites based on shared migratory bird species can be a powerful tool for implementing conservation action. To assist the Adelaide International Bird Sanctuary (AIBS), South Australia, in expanding their conservation impact across the East Asian-Australasian Flyway, we generated a list of 81 sites to consider for potential partnerships. We developed the list using existing shorebird count data for seven high priority migratory shorebirds that spend the austral summer at AIBS, such as Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) and Great Knot (Calidris tenuirostris). We computed a scaled abundance across all species to develop a categorical indicator of importance of each potential site for its shared species richness and abundance. Based on assessments of literature, existing conservation plans, and interviews with experts, we also evaluated each potential site’s feasibility for ecotourism, conservation management, and existing or potential partnerships. This process resulted in a list of 20 sites for the AIBS to consider for possible partnerships in nine countries that met some combination of values for shared shorebird species, inclusion in one or more current site designation schemes, existing or potential opportunities for tourism, habitat management, or partnerships. Additional sites that either have high or medium abundances of shared shorebird species or that have been designated as important by other criteria (Ramsar, Important Bird and Biodiversity Area) were identified. We recommend this methodology be applied to other sites seeking to form cross-boundary partnerships to help further the conservation of highly mobile species.
Additional keywords: Flyway Network Site, Ramsar Convention, Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, South Australia, migratory shorebirds, Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis, Great Knot, Calidris tenuirostris, Red Knot, Calidris canutus, Red-necked Stint, Calidris ruficollis, Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Calidris acuminata, Bar-tailed Godwit, Limosa lapponica.
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