Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006:reg:3:p32
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 32/58)
Character Range: 91775–95125

of other threats. Increased fragmentation interacts with other threats and makes the Eastern Bristlebird more susceptible to local extinction. For example, fragmentation
           may reduce the capacity of Eastern Bristlebirds to escape fire, improve feral predator access to Eastern Bristlebird habitat, increase the risk of vehicle strike, and facilitate human disturbance (TSSC 2001b).

           While habitat on conservation reserves may be managed for Eastern Bristlebirds, recovery of habitat is difficult in some areas due to current land-zoning for urban development. Protection and management of habitat on private land, particularly for the northern population and at Jervis Bay, is extremely important. At Jervis Bay, the cumulative impact of residential developments remains a key threat to some local populations. Possible solutions include prioritising land supporting Eastern Bristlebird habitat for re-zoning to a category that conserves biodiversity values; and incorporating appropriate vegetation buffers, within the land zoned for urban development, at zoning boundaries adjacent to Eastern Bristlebird habitat.

                 3.2.13      Feral pigs

           Feral pigs (Sus scrofa) are potential predators of Eastern Bristlebird eggs and chicks and may disturb breeding birds, damage habitat, facilitate weed invasion, spread plant diseases (including Phytophthora cinnamomi), and create tracks that provide access by predators (Stewart 1998b). The threat of pigs is relevant to the northern population (QLD) only.

           Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs has been listed as a Key Threatening Process under the EBPC Act, and a threat abatement plan has been prepared (DEE 2017).

                 3.2.14      Overabundant non-native herbivores

           Grazing by non-native herbivores may degrade Eastern Bristlebird habitat, reduce habitat connectivity, and destroy nests. For example, appropriate management of cattle grazing has been critical for survival of northern population on private land (L Gould pers. comm. 2021).

           Deer are an emerging threat to the southern population (DAWE 2021), as they alter vegetation structural complexity, and create tracks that allow greater access into Eastern Bristlebird habitat by foxes and cats and may facilitate the spread of weeds and P. cinnamomi along tracks.

3.2.15      Human disturbance

 Human disturbance may result in habitat damage, disturbance of Eastern Bristlebird
 breeding, abandonment of nests, and mortality from vehicle strike (DES 2019).

 The use of call playback by birdwatchers may interfere with breeding behaviour during the breeding season.

 Human disturbance within the central population © Copyright, Chris Grounds

             4.   Populations under particular pressure

           All areas where the Eastern Bristlebird is known or is likely to occur require protective measures. The actions described in this Recovery Plan are intended
           to provide ongoing protection for the Eastern Bristlebird throughout their range. Due to their small size and reduced genetic diversity, northern and southern
           Eastern Bristlebird populations are likely to be under particular pressure from some current threats. Notably, the Action Plan for Australian Birds