Continuing decline of Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis, in Tasmania

Abstract

Regular counts of Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis, in Tasmania indicate that they have declined by over 65% in Tasmania since the 1950s. The declines have been noted at many of the sites regularly used in Tasmania, and there is no indication of the birds moving to areas interstate. The reasons for the decline are not known; however, they may include habitat destruction and disturbance in Tasmania or on the migration routes, or hunting pressure in their breeding grounds or migration routes. There is an urgent need to protect the species’ roosting and foraging grounds in Tasmania and throughout its migration routes.