Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00392:body:0:p6
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00392
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 12911–15913

this data is underway. Christmas Island Frigatebirds appear to be more restricted in their choice of nest sites, tending to nest well down on the shore terrace (Gibson-Hill 1947, Nelson 1972), whereas Greater Frigatebirds will also nest on the slope or lip of the inland cliff or higher up on the terraces (Gibson-Hill 1947).

Given the limited data on habitat requirements, habitat critical to survival of the Christmas Island Frigatebird is defined as all nesting areas. The approximate boundaries of the nesting colonies are given in Figure 1. Sympathetic management of areas adjoining nesting colonies may be very important. Abbott's Booby nesting colonies within 300m downwind of cleared forest have been shown to have significantly lower breeding success than colonies upwind of the cleared areas (Reville et al. 1990), and it is highly likely a similar result would be found for Christmas Island Frigatebirds. Increased wind turbulence around Christmas Island Frigatebird nest sites is a cause for concern. Applying a precautionary approach given the available information, clearance of vegetation within 300m of nesting colonies should be considered undesirable. Actions proposed in this plan will help to better define habitat critical to survival of the Christmas Island Frigatebird, including whether the dryers colony is still viable nesting habitat.

Social and economic impacts
The actions in this plan may have positive and negative social and economic impacts. Positive social impacts will arise from community education actions that will increase Christmas Islanders knowledge and interest in their own environment. The rainforest rehabilitation program provides on-island jobs, as will the proposed frigatebird monitoring program. Christmas Island endemic birds attract specialist bird watching groups each year which is high value, low-impact tourism.

Negative social and economic impacts arising from implementation of the plan could include greater restrictions due to review of the quarantine barrier. The EPBC Act already provides a regulatory framework for the protection of rainforest on Christmas Island, and one element of this is assessing potential impacts of proposed developments on the listed threatened species. These provisions have the potential to impact on economic activity, for example by adding additional obligations to industry and other development on the island in order to minimise impacts on listed species. This arises from the listing of the species under the EPBC Act invoking a range of protective provisions and offences where a population is to be affected. The magnitude of this potential impact is unknown, as it will vary with the location, size and extent of the activity, proposed or current. However, the recovery plan will aid in determining what could be significant impacts on the Christmas Island Frigatebird (through defining habitat critical to survival and developing a management plan outside the national park).

Biodiversity Benefits