Abstract for presentation at Biodiversity Extinction Crisis Conference - A Pacific Response

The Australia White Ibis - Our Vulnerable Urban Pest?

  • Andrew Smith, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
  • Daniel Corben, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
  • Geoff Ross, NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, Hurstville, Australia
  • Dr Ursula Munro, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia

    • The Australia White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca, is a native colonially breeding wetland bird that traditionally nested along inland water bodies and in perennial wetlands. Over the last decades the ibis has extended its breeding range coastward. Today ibis abundance has increased dramatically in coastal urban environments of eastern Australia, while it seems to have declined in the species’ traditional breeding areas. The overabundance of ibis in urban areas has many ecological, social and economic impacts. It is widely believed that the birds are damaging terrestrial and aquatic environments; carrying diseases dangerous to humans and animals; are a major hazard to aircraft safety when near airports; and are a general nuisance in open space areas, scavenging and dispersing litter, and harassing and stealing food from people. Many government and non-government agencies are currently trying to manage urban ibis populations, mainly by culling adults and/or destroying nests and eggs. Management is resource intensive and has proven difficult, since very little is known about urban ibis and the effects of management practices on the sustainability of the species. Here we provide data on seasonal abundances, movements, and the reproductive biology of urban ibis. These data increase our knowledge on urban ibis and provide conservation agencies with baselines for developing and implementing responsible management plans for this species.

    Conference Organiser - ICMS Pty Ltd