To ensure accurate and up to date information, IBAs are nominated by local experts working alongside the program manager.

The project will use Atlas data, expert knowledge and volunteers to identify, monitor and conserve IBAs. The project will work with Birds Australia regional groups, other bird groups, government departments and other interested parties to identify and document IBAs. IBAs must meet the criteria for bird conservation importance, as summarised below.

To qualify as an Important Bird Area, the site must meet one of the following criteria:

A1. Globally threatened species
The site must regularly support a Critical or Endangered species or at least 10 pairs of a Vulnerable species, as categorised by the IUCN Red List.

A2. Restricted-range species
The site forms one of a set protecting ‘restricted-range species’ (birds with a global range of <50,000 km2).

A3. Biome-restricted species
The site forms one of a set protecting all species restricted to a given biome. For this purpose, Australia has been divided into seven biomes using the following paper, Hutchinson et al. (2005 Global Ecol. Biogeogr. 14: 197-212.)
 Download Paper (441kb)

A4. Congregations
A4i. The site supports > 1% of the world population of a waterbird (matching Ramsar Convention criteria)

In settled coastal areas, IBA boundaries include all suitable habitat for the key species. In extensive inland areas, IBAs follow the boundaries of pre-existing protected areas where these adequately protect the key species, as these are much easier to conserve. However, IBAs are independent of political constraints and extend across private land where necessary for the conservation of the target species. IBA designation has no legal basis but a strong scientific basis to justify conservation action. Monitoring and practical conservation action will only be undertaken with the support of land-owners.

Downloads

Australian IBA Nomination Form (156kb xls)
Notes for Completion of Nomination (133kb)
Protocol for Identifying IBAs in Australia (196kb)
IBA Criteria for Australia (788kb)
Species Used to Define IBAs in Australia (188kb)

Gluepot Reserve © Guy Dutson

Regent Honeyeater (Endangered) © Chris Tzaros

Australian Painted Snipe (Vulnerable) © Chris Tzaros