Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00199:reg:6:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00199
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 6 (pt 16/17)
Character Range: 47656–50829

can impact the long-term survival of the population. Research is required to understand the genetic structure of Australian Painted Snipe and may be used to identify important populations and management units.

                     2.2.11         Threat prioritisation
             Each of the threats outlined above has been assessed to determine the risk posed to the Australian Painted Snipe population using a risk matrix. This in turn determines the priority for actions outlined below. The threats were considered in the context of the current management regimes. The impact of that threat has been assessed assuming that existing management measures continue to be applied appropriately. If management regimes change, then the level of risk associated with threats may also change. The risk matrix considers the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences of that incident. Threats may act differently in different parts of the species range and at different times of year, but the precautionary principle dictates that the threat category is determined by the subpopulation at highest risk. Population-wide threats are generally considered to present a higher risk.

             The risk matrix uses a qualitative assessment drawing on peer reviewed literature and expert opinion. In some cases the consequences of activities are unknown. In these cases, the precautionary principle has been applied. Levels of risk and the associated priority for action are defined as follows:
               •       Very High – immediate mitigation action required

               •       High – mitigation action and an adaptive management plan required, the precautionary principle should be applied

               •       Moderate – obtain additional information and develop mitigation action if required
               •       Low – monitor the threat occurrence and reassess threat level if likelihood or consequences change

   Categories for likelihood are defined as follows:
•       Almost certain – expected to occur every year
•       Likely – expected to occur at least once every five years
•       Possible – might occur at some time

•       Unlikely – such events are known to have occurred on a worldwide basis but only a few times

•       Rare or Unknown – may occur only in exceptional circumstances; OR it is currently unknown how often the incident will occur

   Categories for consequences are defined as follows:
•       Not significant – no long-term effect on individuals or populations
•       Minor – individuals are adversely affected but no effect at population level
•       Moderate – population recovery stalls or reduces

•       Major – population decreases
•       Catastrophic – population extinction

               Chapter 3

               Populations under particular pressure

             The Australian Painted Snipe forms a single, homogenous breeding population across most of Australia except probably the interior western deserts and interior south-west Australia (Garnett et al. 2011). Therefore, the actions described in this Recovery Plan are designed to provide ongoing protection to the Australian Painted