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Bird Atlassing in Regions |
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What is it?In 2005, Birds Australia began the Bird Atlassing in Regions Project to use targeted, ongoing bird surveys to assist Natural Resource Management (NRM) regional bodies to answer biodiversity-related questions within their regions.
What does it involve?The idea behind the project is to examine topical local management issues by monitoring the birds which occur in each region. The local nature of such monitoring gives a clear focus on the issues that affect specific areas, while also helping to provide an overview of what is affecting the environment on a larger scale.
What are NRM regions?Across Australia, there are 56 Natural Resource Management (NRM) or Catchment Management Authority (CMA) regions, encompassing all states and territories. Within each NRM region, there are a number of ongoing processes which significantly affect the wellbeing of the environment.
 Which NRM regions are taking part?
In eastern and southern Australia, ten NRM regions in four states are taking part in this study. These ten regions represent a great diversity of habitats, ranging from upland tropical rainforests to woodlands on semi-arid plains, and from windswept ocean beaches to ephemeral wetlands on vast volcanic plains; and diverse land-uses, ranging from bustling metropolises to sparsely-populated farmland. With such a variety in habitat and habitation, each of the ten regions has a raft of different pressures exerted on its landscape, which means that the nature of the monitoring programmes varies greatly between regions.
Why do it?One of the motivations behind the Bird Atlassing in Regions Project is to determine the effects of various environmental processes on the biodiversity of each NRM region. Birds naturally reflect the effects of many factors and processes that affect the environment– both good and bad – and by monitoring the birds it is possible to gain insights into the effects of the environmental processes at work, and better assess the health of the environment in each region.
 Why involve the local communities?
Any project such as this will only be successful if it can effectively engage, support and encourage members of the local community as stewards for their local environment. Through consultation with key stakeholders in each region, we can tap into the most valuable of tools – local knowledge. Volunteers from the local communities are conducting regular strategic and systematic surveys of the birdlife that occurs at specific sites within their region. The importance of the involvement of these locals cannot be overstated, as they are the people who will ultimately determine the success of the project.
How long will the project run for?This 3-year pilot study will lead to the implementation of various long-term, targeted, community-based bird-monitoring programmes which will be able to be adapted and customised for all interested NRM regions.
 How can I find out more?
If you are interested in what is going on in this project, download a copy of the  Long-term Bird Monitoring Volunteer Manual (874kb).
How is it all funded? The project is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust.
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Conservation 
