Tasmania holds significant populations of shorebirds. Generally speaking, Tasmania is thought to be a stronghold of several shorebird species, and also plays a unique role in that it is at the southernmost extremity of the East Asian Australasian Flyway, the route which migratory shorebirds use to move between their breeding areas in the northern hemisphere, and the nonbreeding areas of the south. The future of Tasmania's shorebirds is at the crossroads. Many of the protective features offered by islands, such as isolation and insulation from processes and threats at work on the mainland, are now being eroded. Coastal development is increasing to record highs in the island state. Thus, it is timely to consider the most suitable conservation action which could be taken for Tasmania's shorebirds.

Birds Australia was engaged by Rio Tinto to conduct a review of shorebirds, their threats and management needs, in Tasmania.

Project Officer Fiona Spruzen compiled information on significant sites for shorebirds, and details of their threats and the management interventions which have been undertaken. These will then be overlaid to assess the highest priority conservation projects.

Tasmanian Shorebird Project Report (2.7mb)