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Satellite telemetry and seasonal movements of Magpie Geese (Anseranas semipalmata) in tropical northern Australia

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 04:07 authored by Traill, LW, Bradshaw, CJA, Barry BrookBarry Brook
Knowledge of the patterns of movement of tropical waterfowl should assist in long-term conservation of these birds and their wetlands. Data that indicate or suggest the extent of connectivity between populations help us to make decisions, particularly when those populations are threatened by loss and fragmentation of habitat. To date, there has been little research on tropical waterfowl, with most work on this group of birds done in temperate regions. We tracked the seasonal movements of 10 Magpie Geese (Anseranas semipalmata) in tropical northern Australia, predominantly within Kakadu National Park, using satellite telemetry. Movements were multi-directional and the maximum linear distance travelled by an individual was 114 km from the site of release, over 38 weeks of tracking. Movements did appear to be related to seasonal environmental fluctuations, with some birds moving to favoured breeding and foraging sites, but most monitored birds were resident within the national park. No accurate data were obtained beyond 12 months, with most birds apparently losing their telemeters within 6 months. Just 62% of point-location data were accurate to within 1000 m. Our work provides further ecological data on a species threatened by sea-level rise and important to Aboriginal and recreational hunters.

History

Publication title

Emu: Austral Ornithology

Volume

110

Pagination

160-164

ISSN

0158-4197

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

C S I R O Publishing

Place of publication

150 Oxford St, Po Box 1139, Collingwood, Australia, Victoria, 3066

Rights statement

?Copyright Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union 2010

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Control of pests, diseases and exotic species in coastal and estuarine environments

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