Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00391:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2007B00391
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 24405–27541

frequency may increase with Greenhouse-induced climate change and it would be useful to understand the effects of cyclones on owl populations to help predict the impact of any increase.

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

Other Possible Threats
Road killed Christmas Island Hawk-Owls are occasionally reported. A substantial increase in vehicular traffic will be associated with the proposed satellite launching station and the new immigration, reception and processing centre. 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.

Feral Cats Felis catus are widespread throughout the original and modified vegetation on the island. Owls are unaccustomed to predators and may roost very low to the ground and consequently may occasionally be at risk of being caught by cats. However, cats do not appear to be a significant threat to owls at present (Tidemann et al. 1994, Van der Lee and Jarman 1996).

Recovery Objectives and Timelines

Overall Objective
To downgrade the conservation status of the Christmas Island Hawk-Owl to Conservation Dependent within 10 years.
Specific objectives
To reduce the risk of extinction and improve the conservation status of the species by:
   1. Maintaining (or increasing) extent of occurrence and total population size at 1994-96 levels.
   2. Implementing threat abatement strategies.
   3. Increasing community involvement in and awareness of the Christmas Island Hawk-Owl.
   4. Implementing the Recovery Plan through a Recovery Team.

Performance Criteria
    * Total population size not less than 562  105 occupied territories as measured by the monitoring program.
    * Owls widespread on the island in all suitable habitats as measured by the monitoring program.
    * Crazy Ants having a negligible impact on populations.
    * Protection of all habitat critical to survival outside the national park.
    * 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/implementation of the Recovery Team over five years.

Actions
              Specific Objective: 1. Maintain extent of occurrence and total population size at 1994-96 levels.
              Criteria:  Owls widespread on the island in all suitable habitats
              Total population size not less than 556  101 occupied territories.
              Action:  1. Monitor the Christmas Island Hawk-Owl population every two years to detect any significant change in the distribution or abundance

The monitoring program will census owls in Primary Rainforest, Marginal Rainforest and regrowth vegetation and aims in Primary and Marginal Rainforest to identify