Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee
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Picture
Why Eungedup Wetlands must be preserved
Picture of Australasian Bittern at Eungedup Wetlands
Endangered Australasian Bittern at Eungedup Wetlands - photo courtesy DBCA camera trap
Eungedup Wetland is critically important for a number of nationally and internationally significant waterbirds. A key one of these is the Endangered Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus).  The global population is estimated to be fewer than 2,500 mature individuals and decreasing (Birdlife International, 2016). Australian data suggest that the Western Australian (WA) bittern population declined by 25-50% between the 1980s and 2010, and continues to decline. It is estimated that fewer than 150 mature individuals remain in WA.
 
The historical draining of permanent and ephemeral swamps for agriculture and urban development in south-western Australia has been an important factor contributing to the decline of the population. Furthermore, dry periods have increased the susceptibility of wetlands to fire and to predation of adults and chicks by foxes and cats. Changes in rainfall patterns that drive fluctuations in wetland availability is predicted to be the most pervasive threat to the survival of Australasian Bittern in the future. 
 
Based on best available population estimates of calling birds and possible breeding pairs, the Eungedup Wetland population may represent 5–10% of the extant breeding population in WA. Eungedup Wetlands presents a unique opportunity to overcome many of the threats faced by Australasian Bittern. Water levels can be controlled, if required, using an existing network of channels which connect Eungedup to the nearby nationally significant Nenamup Inlet and the internationally significant Wilson Inlet (Nullaki). The control of invasive predators, revegetation works, and water quality monitoring will be undertaken, to ensure the wetland remains optimal for the Australasian Bittern. 


Picture of Spotless Crake at Eungedup Wetlands
Spotless Crake - photo courtesy of Georgina Steytler
​The surrounding Lake Saide and Nenamup Inlet complex which in turn connects to the larger Wilson Inlet are recognised as important feeding grounds for many migratory shorebird species that use the East Asian-Australasian Flyway to migrate to and from breeding grounds in the Arctic each year. The preservation of Eungedup Wetlands provides protection for a number of species that are protected under international agreements.
 
The exposed mudflats and open shallow water habitats available within the wetland are used by several species of migratory shorebirds such as Wood Sandpiper, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, and Marsh Sandpiper. On several occasions over the 2020/21 summer, Wood Sandpipers exceeded 40 individuals, the highest single count for this species in the region.
 
During the summer period, shorebirds move between the local water bodies and make use of Eungedup Wetlands for feeding and roosting. This access to a variety of wetlands is important due to seasonal shifts in prey availability and habitat suitability.​
Picture
Wood Sandpiper photo courtesy of Georgina Steytler
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  • Home
  • WICC News
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer EOI
    • Upcoming Events >
      • Soil Testing EOI 2025
      • EW Community Update
      • Carbon in Farming
      • Holistic Management Workshop
      • Dung Beetle EOI
    • Membership >
      • WICC Membership Form
      • OKGG Membership Sign-Up
    • Funding Opportunities >
      • Soil Testing
      • Fencing and Revegetation
    • Report A Pig
  • Support Us
    • Kwoorabup Community Nursery >
      • Nursery Volunteer Register
    • Donate
  • About
    • Projects >
      • Current Projects >
        • Community for Cockies >
          • Plants Used by Carnaby's Black Cockatoo
        • Saving Boordenitj – Salvaging Bittern Habitat in Southwest WA
        • Cockies for Cockies
        • Healthy Estuaries WA
        • Dung Beetle Program: Phase 2
        • Ferals
      • Previous Projects >
        • Waste to Net Zero (Biochar Program)
        • OKGG Owingup/Kent Grower Group
        • Soilwise
        • WIGG the Wilson Inlet Grower Group
        • UPtake
    • Our Plans >
      • Lindesay Link Conservation Action Plan
      • WICC Proteacea Vegetation Survey 2016
      • WICC Strategic Plan and Constitution
      • Wilson Inlet Management Strategy
    • Meet the Team!
    • Our Catchment
    • Contact Us
  • Eungedup
    • Why Eungedup Wetlands needs to be preserved!
    • How Your Donation will be Use
    • How Eungedup Wetlands will be Managed
    • Our Donors
  • Learning Centre
    • Sustainable Agriculture >
      • Cartoon Collection - Earls Adventures >
        • Managing Water in a Drying Climate
        • Feral Management OKGG
        • Arum Lilies
      • Collection of Dougie the dung beetle cartoons >
        • Rotational Grazing
        • Stock Health
        • Pasture Diversity
        • Soil Chemistry/Nutrient Efficiency
        • Soil Carbon
        • Soil Biology
      • Interviews with local farmers
    • Biodiversity >
      • Interview with Marino Bocuzzi
      • The Abby Carnaby Chronicles
      • Weeds
      • Feral Management
      • Seagrass Report
      • Flora Surveys
      • Interview with Elders >
        • Interview with Elder Vernice Gillies
        • Elder Lynette Knapp
        • Interview with Dr Wayne Webb
        • Interview with Aunty Carol Petterson
        • Interview with Uncle Lester Coyne
        • Interview with Menang Elder Aden Eades
        • Aboriginal Rangers - back on country!
    • Waterways >
      • Wilson Inlet Estuary Sandbar Openings
      • Sub Catchment Reports for Wilson Inlet
    • How to Object to Mineral Titles
    • Our Data
    • Privacy Policy