Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00386:body:0:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00386
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 27332–30633

Island Goshawks, especially by poultry owners, has been considered to be a significant threat to goshawks in the past (Stokes 1988). Given the small population size, any killing of either juveniles or adult Christmas Island Goshawks would be considered a significant threat to this taxon. Another possible threat is posed by cats, especially near settled areas.

Road killed Christmas Island Goshawks have been reported. A substantial increase in vehicular traffic will be associated with the proposed satellite launching station and the new immigration, reception and processing centre (IRPC). This will likely increase the number of roadkills in high traffic areas. Thus it is possible that collisions with cars will become an issue for the conservation of populations in high traffic areas.

Weeds, especially newly introduced invasive species, could potentially impact on Christmas Island Goshawk nest sites, for example by forming vine towers over nesting trees.

Recovery Objectives and Timelines

Overall objective:
To shift the status of the Christmas Island Goshawk from Endangered to Conservation Dependent within 10 years.

Specific objectives:
To reduce the risk of extinction and improve the conservation status of the taxon by:
     1. Determine taxonomic status
     2. Determine and maximise total population size and area of occupancy
     3. Implement threat abatement strategies
     4. Increase community involvement and awareness
     5. Implement the Recovery Plan through a Recovery Team

Performance Criteria
    * Taxonomic position of Christmas Island Goshawk clarified.
    * Distribution of Christmas Island Goshawks widespread on the island in all suitable habitats as demonstrated by population monitoring.
    * Density of Christmas Island Goshawks increased as demonstrated by population monitoring
    * Crazy Ants having an insignificant impact on Christmas Island Goshawks.
    * Protection of all habitat critical outside the national park on Christmas Island.
    * A continuing increase in suitable habitat through implementation of the Christmas Island Rainforest Rehabilitation program.
    * Maintenance of effective quarantine against the introduction of all avian diseases
    * Demonstrated increase in community awareness and support for habitat protection
    * Demonstrated successful operation of the Recovery Team over five years.

Actions

Specific objective 1. Determine taxonomic status
                Performance Criteria  Taxonomic position of Christmas Island Goshawk clarified.
               Action 1. Investigate the taxonomic status of the Christmas Island Goshawk.

This project is designed to describe the relationships of the Christmas Island Goshawk to the Brown and Grey Goshawks by comparing DNA sequences of selected mitochondrial genes. Mitochondrial DNA may be collected from feathers allowing specimens already in collections to be used for analysis. The Museum of Victoria has material from Christmas Island Goshawks.

               Specific objective 2. Determine and maximise total population size and area of occupancy
               Performance Criteria  Distribution of Christmas Island Goshawks widespread on the island in all suitable habitats as demonstrated by population monitoring
                 Density