Census and Distribution of Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Burrows on Heron Island, November 1985

Greg J E Hill; A Barnes

doi:10.1071/MU9890135

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Census and Distribution of Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Burrows on Heron Island, November 1985

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Census and Distribution of Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Burrows on Heron Island, November 1985

Greg J E Hill and A Barnes

Emu - Austral Ornithology, Vol.89(3), pp.135-139

1989

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1071/MU9890135

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Abstract

Zoology

Ecology

Environmental Science and Management

Wedge-tailed Shearwater

Puffinus pacificus

A census of Wedge-tailed Shearwater nesting density on Heron Island in 1985 returned an estimate of 16 337 ± 1545 (X ± s.e.) active burrows, an increase of over 147% on the most recent previous survey conducted in 1983. A similar survey of nearby Masthead Island indicated a decrease of around 35% over the same period. An assessment of habitat usage on Heron Island indicated that shearwaters utilise all vegetation types found on the island. Highest densities were recorded in disturbed habitats with a ground cover of Pisonia branches or building material debris. Our findings are contrary to previous assessments that closed Pisonia forest is the preferred nesting habitat. As well, there was no significant difference in burrow density between the eastern (national park) and western (resort, research station) halves of the island. Loss of breeding sites in the western section, resulting from construction of facilities, was balanced by the higher availability of the preferred, disturbed, habitats which were also a result of human activities.

Details

Title: Census and Distribution of Wedge-tailed Shearwater Puffinus pacificus Burrows on Heron Island, November 1985
Authors: Greg J E Hill (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
A Barnes (Author) - University of Queensland
Publication details: Emu - Austral Ornithology, Vol.89(3), pp.135-139
Publisher: C S I R O Publishing
Date published: 1989
DOI: 10.1071/MU9890135
ISSN: 0158-4197
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449616502621
Output Type: Journal article

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