Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00043:reg:5:p6
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00043
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 5 (pt 6/15)
Character Range: 33153–36262

For the purposes of this plan, important habitat for Latham's snipe is described as areas that have previously been identified as internationally important for the species, or areas that support at least 18 individuals of the species. Definitions for shorebird 'area' and 'support' are as above.

              8                    Threats

In a global review, Sutherland et al. (2012) identify 45 threats facing shorebird populations that can
be divided into three categories: natural, current anthropogenic and future issues. The natural issues include volcanoes and cyclones, while current anthropogenic threats encompass climate change, abandonment of rice fields and human disturbance. Likely future issues that could affect shorebird population include microplastics, global hydro-security and changes in sedimentation rates.
The review demonstrates the breadth of issues facing shorebirds, ranging from 'likely but with minor effects' to 'unlikely but catastrophic effects causing species extinction'.

In Australia and the EAAF, many of the current threats are linked to the changing availability of wintering, stop-over and breeding habitats (MacKinnon et al. 2012). The loss of key locations
at any point on the migratory pathway will have significant consequences for a number of species.
Key threats to the migration and survival of
Australian migratory shorebirds are identified in
this section. The list is no by means exhaustive, but identifies the main threats that are likely to significantly affect shorebird populations adversely.

8.1                Habitat loss

Infrastructure / coastal development in Australia

Habitat loss occurring as a result of development is the most significant threat currently affecting Australian migratory shorebirds, both in Australia and along the EAAF. It is estimated that since European settlement approximately 50 per cent of Australia's non-tidal wetlands have been converted to other uses. In some regions the rate of loss has been even higher. On the Swan Coastal Plain of Western Australia 75 per cent of wetlands have been filled or drained. In south-east South Australia 89 per cent has been lost. Urban development in Australia has often involved the draining and filling of wetlands for industrial or

  commercial use and waste disposal (Lee et al. 2006). Many watercourses in urban areas have been converted to concrete-lined drains resulting in loss of in-stream habitats, fringing wetlands and streamside vegetation.

  In Australia, due to the nature of the environment and the distribution of the human population, estuaries and permanent wetlands of the coastal lowlands have experienced most losses, especially in the southern parts of the continent (Lee et al. 2006). Agricultural development and infrastructure has been attributed
  to the substantial loss of wetlands on the floodplains of inland and coastal rivers. Drainage and conversion of wetlands for agricultural activities has been a major cause of wetland loss worldwide.

  Infrastructure /coastal development in staging and stop-over areas, particularly the