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The NSW Bird
Atlassers Inc is actively engaged in conservation issues that
directly impact on the welfare of native birds and preservation of
their habitats. It is estimated that 1 in 5 native birds are now
under threat through land clearing and development.
Less than 1%
of native grasslands in NSW remain in the state they were in
before European settlement. Such birds as Plains-wanderer, Brown
Songlark, and Richard's Pipit are among grassland birds being
adversely affected.
Over 90% of
pre-European woodland has been cleared from some districts of the
state, and that which does remain is fragmented and degraded.
Birds such as Regent Honeyeater, Swift Parrot, Superb Parrot,
Red-capped Robin, Grey-crowned Babbler, Brown Treecreeper, Hooded
Robin, Speckled Warbler, Diamond Firetail and Black-chinned
Honeyeater are threatened by this habitat loss.
Wetlands
with their important role ecologically and in biological diversity
are also under severe threat. Irrigation schemes are demanding
more water inland, and land filling is being carried out on the
coast as need for housing and tourist developments grows. Ground
Parrot, Southern Emu-wren and a whole range of waterbirds suffer
through habitat loss.
Beaches face
increasing recreational usage by humans, their vehicles and their
domestic pets. Disturbance of birds such as migratory waders,
Little Tern, Hooded Plover and Beach Stone-curlew directly impacts
on their chances of breeding success and long term survival.
There is a pressing need to know much more about the birds of the
state, where they are found and what their needs are, and the
work of the NSW Bird Atlassers Inc is of prime importance here.
Where conservation issues involve bird habitat, the NSWBA
undertakes a role lobbying the relevant authorities be it council,
state or federal government or industry, mostly by
writing letters on the subject or by joining with other
organisations, pushing for a balanced and considered approach to
the issue.
Should any member become aware of an issue promising to threaten
an ecosystem of importance to continued birdlife, they can write
to our committee
members on the contact page.
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