Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00199:reg:6:p14
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00199
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 6 (pt 14/17)
Character Range: 42067–45113

impacts on an already depleted population.

             Declines in reporting rates within the Murray–Darling Basin, despite increased observer numbers and effort, might be explained by drought forcing the Australian Painted Snipe to move to drought refuges (Rogers et al. 2005). Hence there is a need to manage for drought across their range so that habitat is always available somewhere in the landscape.

             The effect of climate change upon the Australian Painted Snipe and their habitat is unknown, however it is likely that the species will be affected. Chambers et al. (2005) reviewed the effects of climate change on birds, with particular reference to Australian species. Consequences as a result of climate change include increased severity of storm events, a reduction in rainfall and runoff and increasing temperatures. Evidence of global warming and cases of altered range, timing of migration, breeding success and population numbers are well known. As with drought risk management, climate change mitigation is needed to ensure that a network of suitable habitats across the continent is available for the Australian Painted Snipe.

                   2.2.6     Livestock overgrazing
             A decline of the species in the Kimberley region has been attributed to cattle grazing (Johnstone and Storr 1980). However, other authors have suggested that grazing stock are unlikely to affect Australian Painted Snipe breeding activity in north-western Australia because inundated conditions at that time would limit stock access to the wetlands (Hassell and Rogers 2002). Many of the recent records are from grazing properties, like Roebuck Plains.

             Australian Painted Snipe appear to have particular needs in terms of the structure of the vegetation for roost, foraging and nest sites, and this could be altered - or even maintained in some cases – according to various grazing regimes. In areas where exotic pastures have been introduced and are unlikely to be eliminated even in protected areas, such as Para Grass (Urochloa mutica) and Olive Hymenachne (Hymenachne amplexicaulis) in northern and eastern Australia, it will be necessary to maintain a certain level of grazing so that the Para Grass does not overrun the site and preferred habitat characteristics are maintained.

2.2.7     Invasive animals

 Predation
   Impacts of invasive animals within Australian Painted Snipe habitat are largely unknown and there is little evidence to suggest adverse impacts. Even though the Australian Painted Snipe favour nesting on mounds surrounded by water – which might be a behaviour to avoid predators – foxes and cats have been observed travelling through water. Consequently, Australian Painted Snipe adults and chicks are vulnerable to predation.

 Invasive herbivores
   Other invasive animals such as pigs, goats and deer degrade Australian Painted Snipe habitat by digging up wetland edges and removing vegetative cover. Similarly, camels and horses are capable of trampling wetland vegetation and