National Recovery Plan for the Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin (Petroica multicolor multicolor) and the Norfolk Island Golden Whistler (Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta) (Cth)
NATIONAL RECOVERY PLAN FOR THE
NORFOLK ISLAND SCARLET ROBIN
Petroica multicolor multicolor
AND THE
NORFOLK ISLAND GOLDEN WHISTLER
Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta
Commonwealth of Australia
Based on a document prepared by David Baker-Gabb, for the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage.
Published by the Department of the Environment and Heritage.
Made under the EPBC Act: (date to be supplied)
ISBN 0642551669
© Commonwealth of Australia
This publication is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries regarding reproduction should be addressed to:
Assistant Secretary
Natural Resource Management Policy Branch
Department of the Environment and Heritage
GPO Box 787
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Disclaimer: This recovery plan sets out the actions necessary to stop the decline of, and support the recovery of, the listed threatened species or ecological community. The Australian Government is committed to acting in accordance with the plan and to implementing the plan as it applies to Commonwealth areas.
The plan has been developed with the involvement and cooperation of a broad range of stakeholders, but individual stakeholders have not necessarily committed to undertaking specific actions. The attainment of objectives and the provision of funds may be subject to budgetary and other constraints affecting the parties involved. Proposed actions may be subject to modification over the life of the plan due to changes in knowledge.This plan should be cited as follows: Commonwealth of Australia. 2005. National Recovery Plan for the Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor multicolor and the Norfolk Island Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta. Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra.
Summary
The Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin Petroica multicolor multicolor (Robin) and Norfolk Island Golden Whistler Pachycephala pectoralis xanthoprocta (Whistler) are only found on Norfolk Island (29002’S, 167057’E). Although once found throughout the forests of Norfolk Island, and probably also on Phillip Island 6km to the south, each taxon is now restricted to a single population, in Norfolk Island National Park (465ha) and a few forest remnants mainly within 2km of the national park.
The total population sizes are currently estimated to be 440 breeding pairs of Robins and 535 breeding pairs of Whistlers. Total population sizes of both taxa are primarily limited by the small area of remaining suitable habitat, habitat fragmentation, habitat degradation and weed infestation, and introduced predators such as Feral Cats Felis catus and Black Rats Rattus rattus.
This Recovery Plan builds on earlier work to recover the Norfolk Island Green Parrot Cyanoramphus cookii and Norfolk Island Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata, and incorporates a multi-species approach wherever possible. It outlines actions which should change the conservation status of both the Robin and Whistler from 'Vulnerable' to 'Least Concern' within 20 years. This will be achieved by culling predators in forest remnants near Norfolk Island National Park (NINP), establishing and maintaining forested links to remnants, and if appropriate establishing second breeding populations on Phillip Island, which is free of mammalian predators. Population increases will also be achieved by extending the program to appropriate Public Reserves, providing habitat restoration incentives to private landholders, and involving the community in the recovery program.
Ultimately, the long-term goal should be to make Norfolk Island free of introduced mammalian predators (see Simberloff 2002). While this action is beyond the scope of this Recovery Plan, several studies cited in Veitch and Clout (2002) of Cat and Rat eradication from large islands, including those settled by humans, indicate that total eradication is a feasible target.
Biodiversity Benefits
The actions specified in this Recovery Plan will benefit a range of Norfolk Island threatened species. The existing control of Black Rats and Cats, which was initiated in 1992 mainly for Green Parrot conservation, greatly benefits other island fauna including Robins and Whistlers, a number of threatened plant species, the diverse land mollusk fauna and the two Vulnerable reptile species.
Habitat Critical to Survival
The most extensive area of native habitat remaining on Norfolk Island is within NINP, which encompasses 465 ha - 12% of the main island. Gilmour and Helman (1989) quantified the native vegetation assemblages of the Park at that time as 30% ‘native forest’ (palm, hardwood, and Norfolk Island Pine forest), 37% ‘weed-infested native forest’ and 33% ‘exotic forest’. Robins and Whistlers occur in all habitats within the national park and in some forested areas outside it (Robinson 1988, 1997, Major 1989, Bell 1990). The key elements of habitat critical for the survival of the Robin and Whistler are listed in Attachment 1 (habitat requirements), though the finer details of the Whistler's requirements are poorly known.
Habitat critical for the survival of both species includes all known sites for nesting, food resources, water, and shelter. This includes native and exotic forest and areas inside and outside NINP. Habitat with the potential to support Robins and Whistlers also fit the criteria of habitat critical for survival of the species, and the revegetated areas of Phillip Island may fall into this category, as well as potential habitat on Norfolk Island currently not used by Robins and Whistlers. Further work is needed to define these ‘potential’ areas and confirm their suitability. The known habitat critical for the survival of the Robin and Whistler is mapped in Figure 1 and is defined in this Recovery Plan as all potential Robin and Whistler habitat within their ‘current normal range’. This area is very similar to that determined for the Norfolk Island Green Parrot (Hill 2002). Most of the habitat of the Robin and Whistler is in national park, and public reserves, but some is on private land.
Threats
Predators
The Black Rat and Feral Cat continue to be the greatest threat to the island’s native vertebrate fauna (Commonwealth 2000). Baiting within the NINP has reduced numbers of the Black Rat (Innes 1995), and this, along with Cat control and the provision of more secure nest sites, has allowed Norfolk Island Green Parrot and Boobook numbers to increase (Olsen 1997, Hill 2002). Black Rats on Norfolk Island are probably the greatest potential risk to breeding seabirds, endemic reptiles, molluscs and any potential translocated birds, on Phillip Island (where there are currently not present).
While the Polynesian Rat Rattus exulans takes birds (McClelland 2002a, Pierce 2002), there has been a long period of co-existence, and it has been suggested that they are not a significant threat to landbirds (ANPWS 1984). Similarly, Norfolk Island Boobooks and Nankeen Kestrels Falco cenchroides may eat small numbers of Robins (Olsen 1997, Robinson 1997), and may take a few Whistlers, but their impact is likely to be small (Robinson 1997). Boobooks have co-existed with Norfolk Island landbirds for millennia, but Kestrels are recently self-introduced.
Habitat Loss, fragmentation and degradation
Native forest within NINP is protected under the EPBC Act, and a range of tree species are protected under Norfolk Island Government legislation. Weed-infestation and loss by natural attrition of mature habitat trees are degrading NINP and consequently, the habitat of Robins and Whistlers. On private land outside the national park, loss of native forest through clearing and by natural causes, and the subsequent expansion of dense weeds which crowd the understorey, is still a significant problem.
Robinson (1997) stated that the primary cause of declines in Robin and Whistler populations outside the NINP was probably past habitat loss and the subsequent fragmentation of the surviving populations into many small and isolated populations (Robinson 1988, Bennett 1990). Accordingly, if populations are to persist outside the park, the issues of habitat restoration and habitat isolation need to be addressed there. Some private landholders have already undertaken initiatives to maintain and extend native habitat for the threatened birds of Norfolk Island.
Vegetation management
Management actions may pose local threats to ground-foraging birds. For example, Robins avoid large bare areas recently cleared of weeds, and these areas may be reinvaded by densely growing weeds making them unsuitable for ground-feeding Robins in particular (Robinson 1997). Removal of grazing may also have a temporary detrimental effect, by reducing the openness of the understorey (Bell 1990). As noted by Mack and Lonsdale (2002), control or even eradication of a single invasive plant species may ultimately produce little benefit, if its demise only sparks the rise of another non-indigenous species.
Information gaps
The level of knowledge of the conservation requirements of the Robin (Robinson 1988, 1997, Major 1989) is sufficient to undertake management actions, such as habitat assessments for translocations, with confidence. On the other hand, there is a paucity of essential information on the Whistler (contra Garnett and Crowley 2000). This lack of detailed biological information will limit the reliability of proposed management actions.
New invasive species
The easiest, cheapest and often only the way to avoid significant impacts of invasives on an island ecosystem, is to prevent them getting to the island. To date, quarantine precautions have focused largely on rodents, but other organisms such as invertebrates, plants and even microorganisms can pose a greater, albeit less obvious, risk (McClelland 2002b).
Disease
Less immediate threats are the introduction of a new disease (Hay 1986), or one-off catastrophic events such as a cyclone (Robinson 1988). Island birds have often evolved in the absence of diseases common in continental bird faunas, and the introduction of such diseases can be disastrous. For example, psittacine circovirus disease was probably responsible for the deaths of many parrots on Norfolk Island in the mid-1970s (Hicks and Greenwood 1990). Similarly, the accidental introduction of avian malaria to Hawaii was probably the main cause of the extinction of several bird species (Hay 1986). Once established, a new disease may persist in feral populations of continental bird species which have resistance. For this reason, McNamara (1989) and Hill (2002) recommended that the eradication of introduced species from islands be given a high priority.
Competition
Competition with introduced birds (Common Blackbird Turdus merula and Song Thrush T. philomelos), and pesticides have been suggested as potential threats (Smithers and Disney 1969; Robinson 1988), although there is little evidence either factor had caused a decline in Robin populations or any other species of songbird (Robinson 1988).
Objectives
Overall Objective:
To shift the status of the Robin and Whistler from Vulnerable to Least Concern within 20 years.
Specific Objectives: to reduce the risk of extinction and improve conservation status of the taxa by:
Implementing threat abatement strategies;
Increasing the extent of occurrence of the taxa and their total population sizes;
Ensuring there is sufficient biological data to guide recovery program;
Increasing community involvement in and awareness of threatened landbirds;
Implementing the Recovery Plan through a Recovery Team.
Recovery Actions
Action 1. Predator control within NINP
Rat and cat control within NINP should incorporate the recommendations of Wilson (2002).
Action 2. Test effectiveness of and, if appropriate, expand predator control program outside NINP
Before conducting widespread control, the efficacy of this outside NINP must be demonstrated. Although isolated remnants of suitable habitat exist elsewhere, the birds have contracted mostly to the NINP in recent years. A trial of at least 10 remnants within 4km of NINP with and without pest control should be conducted, to determine control effectiveness. This will be combined with trail translocations, if necessary (see Action 6).
Action 3. Review quarantine protocols between Norfolk and Phillip Islands
Quarantine protocols between Norfolk and Phillip Islands require review, and updating if necessary. Phillip Island has the potential to be a major life-line for most threatened landbirds if it remains free of mammalian predators (Wilson 2002). Black Rats could be transported there by fishing boats and other craft. An island response plan for any new alien invasion has been suggested (Wilson 2002).
Action 4. Promote and support responsible Cat ownership
Continue sponsorship of cat de-sexing clinic. The Norfolk Island Government should be urged to enact legislation banning the import of reproductively-competent cats. An ultimate goal, beyond this Recovery Plan, should be to eliminate all reproductively-competent cats from Norfolk Island.
Action 5. Provide incentives and information for habitat restoration on private land
Investigate and promote incentives such as rate rebates for landholders who participate in habitat protection or predator control. Opportunities exist for the Natural Heritage Trust to protect remnant vegetation on private land. Management agreements between DEH and landholders, where DEH provides funding for fencing, have been put in place to protect and enhance native vegetation. These agreements are negotiated subject to availability of funds on a 3 yearly basis.
Action 6. Produce a translocation protocol and conduct local translocations if needed
If appropriate, translocation will be used to establish second breeding populations on Phillip Island. A translocation protocol (see Clarke and Clarke 1999, Clarke et al 2002) should be developed to cover all threatened NI birds. Although birds such as the Robin have recently declined outside NINP, the main island NINP territories are at carrying capacity (Robinson 1997), making this a potential donor site. In order to remove birds the Translocation Protocol may need to be included in the 'Research Strategy' or revised NINP Plan of Management (see Relationship to NINP Plan below). Following predator control trials (Action 2), trial translocations of birds to remnant sites may be needed if birds have not moved themselves following removal of predators. This will help determine whether isolation, predators, or a combination of factors are limiting bird distributions.
Action 7. Assess habitat suitability on Phillip Island and plan translocations
Currently about 95ha may be suitable and could support up to 60 pairs of Robins and 40 pairs of Whistlers. Forest suitable for Robins and Whistlers will displace current habitat suitable for some of the ground-nesting seabirds, though increased cover should not, for a considerable time at least, significantly limit seabird breeding habitat (Commonwealth 2000). If habitat surveys and local translocations prove positive translocations to Phillip Island can be planned and implemented. Implementing the translocations may be beyond the life of the current Recovery Plan.
Action 8. Collect habitat requirement and other biological data to guide recovery program
Habitat preference and other biological data on the Whistler and other insufficiently studied threatened species (e.g. Slender-billed White-eye), are needed to guide threat abatement, community awareness and translocations programs. These data can also be incorporated into existing forest restoration and management activities, and used to identify key areas for wildlife corridors and remnant protection (see Action 12). They will provide insights into adequacy of recruitment and replacement of rainforest and palm forest (key habitats) in NINP, and help guide forest restoration conducted by the Norfolk Island Parks and Forestry Service.
Action 9. Conduct multi-species monitoring of all threatened NI land bird species annually
Monitoring of all species annually (Robin, Whistler, Green Parrot, both White-eyes, and Boobook) will be more efficient and cost-effective then separate studies for each species. Monitoring protocols have been developed for Robins (Robinson 1997), Green Parrot (Hill 2002) and Boobook (Olsen 1997). Protocols for the Whistler and Slender-billed White-eye need refining.
Action 10. Promote public awareness and involvement
Public awareness activities should include a threatened bird brochure, and regular updates in the NI newspaper and other Norfolk Island media. The brochure should include all NI’s threatened birds, local names of birds, photos, decline maps, threat information, and how islanders can participate in recovery actions. A survey of community awareness and involvement would provide useful information for targeting future extension and management.
Action 11. Train and involve community in population monitoring and surveys
Public awareness (Action 10) will also encourage reporting of sightings, as this may be the only practical way to monitor some species outside NINP. Training in location and identification may be needed. In addition, a volunteer survey team should be formed to cover accessible habitat patches outside NINP, to provide data on patch sizes, habitat quality, and distances from source populations.
Action 12. Expand the Green Parrot Recovery Team to form a Norfolk Island threatened bird recovery team to manage recovery for all NI landbirds
Action 13. Commission an independent review of the recovery program after four years.
The NI Green Parrot Recovery Team should be expanded to include other external expertise and have its mandate extended to the conservation of all threatened NI birds. The team will endeavour to ensure funding for recovery actions, supervise the recovery program, meet publicity and reporting requirements, monitor performance of the plan, and commission an independent review.
Table 1 - Recovery Plan Performance Criteria and Actions
Objective Performance Criteria Actions 1. Implement threat abatement strategies · Rat and cat predation not posing a significant threat to Robin and Whistler population recovery
· Quarantine protocols for Norfolk and Phillip Islands reviewed and updated as necessary
· Responsible Cat ownership widely accepted and practiced
1. Predator control within NINP
2. Test effectiveness of, and if appropriate, expand predator control program outside NINP
3. Review quarantine protocols between Norfolk and Phillip Islands
4. Promote and support responsible Cat ownership
2. Increase the extent of occurrence of the taxa and their total population size · A minimum of 500 breeding pairs of Robins and 600 breeding pairs of Whistlers within 5 years
· Fragmentation of key habitat on private land reversed through incentives for fencing, weed removal and planting native species
· Range expansion established outside NINP within 4 years, especially in Public Reserves
· Planning for second populations on Phillip Island, pending the establishment of sufficient suitable habitat
5. Provide incentives and information for habitat restoration on private land
6. Produce a translocation protocol and conduct local translocations if needed
7. Assess habitat suitability on Phillip Island and plan translocations
3. Sufficient biological data to guide recovery program · Biological data used to guide threat abatement, community awareness, translocation, and habitat restoration programs
· Bird monitoring data updated annually to track population trends, status, and range, and test predator control programs
8. Collect habitat requirement and other biological data to guide recovery program
9. Conduct multi-species monitoring of all threatened NI land bird species annually
4. Increase community involvement in and awareness of threatened bird recovery programs · Increased community involvement in reporting sightings, population surveys and monitoring, and habitat restoration
· Regular reporting of results to the local community
10. Promote public awareness and involvement
11. Train and involve community in population monitoring and surveys
5. Implement the Recovery Plan through a Recovery Team · Successful operation of the recovery program over 5 years
· Annual monitoring of progress against objectives and performance criteria
· External review of the recovery program conducted after 4 years
12. Expand the Green Parrot Recovery Team to form a NI threatened bird Recovery Team to manage recovery for all NI landbirds
13. Commission an independent review of the recovery program after four years
Costs
The total cost of the recovery program is $355,000 over five years, with the major costs being for control of predators ($160,000), and biological/monitoring work ($95,000).
Note that many of the actions costed are required for, and will aid recovery of, other threatened species of Norfolk Island.
Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total required $53,000 $68,000 $73,000 $64,000 $97,000* * includes $25,000 for local translocations which will not be necessary if predator control is successful and birds recolonise remnants; and $6,000 for planning for Phillip Island translocations which will not be necessary if the habitat is not suitable.
Management Actions
The following management actions are required to aid the recovery of the Robin and Whistler:
1. Adequate resourcing of the identified management activities for the taxa;
2. Adequate control of Black Rats and Feral Cats;
3. Quarantine prevention of the introduction of new avian pathogens, new invasive weeds, or new predators or competitors, especially on Phillip Island; and
4. Involvement of the community in the recovery program.
Any action which would remove nesting or feeding habitat, during weed control or other works, could result in a significant impact on the taxa and requires referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister under the EPBC Act.
Monitoring, reporting and review
Progress will be monitored and evaluated by members of the recovery team through an annual review. There will be an external review of the recovery program after four years of Recovery Plan implementation.
Relationship to NINP Plan of Management
The Plan of Management for NINP (Commonwealth 2000) is in force until 2007. It specifically allows for reintroducing Green Parrots and other landbirds to Phillip Island, but not for removing other landbirds from the main island. This can be addressed via: 1) developing a case for translocation in the 'Research Strategy', as "permits for scientific research involving the taking of plants and animals from the Park will be considered in accordance with the research strategy, the Regulations and related Commonwealth and Norfolk Island Government policy"; and/or 2) including translocation of landbirds from NINP in the revised Plan of Management (revision to occur in 2006-07).
Interests that will be affected by the Recovery Plan’s implementation or adoption
Australian Government, Director of National Parks, Parks Australia South;
Australian Government, DEH, Approvals and Wildlife Division;
Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services (Territories Division);
Norfolk Island Government and the NI Administration, particularly the Norfolk Island Parks and Forestry Service (NIPFS);
Private landholders and leaseholders near NINP;
Norfolk Island National Park Advisory Committee; and
Norfolk Island Green Parrot Recovery Team.
The recovery actions are, in the main, focused on the NINP, so few landholders are affected. The main impacts on landholders are proposed predator culling in forest remnants near NINP and the offering of information and incentives to landholders for fencing and restoration of forest remnants. This project should have no significant adverse social or economic impacts.
References
ANPWS 1984. Plan of Management Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden. Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service. Commonwealth of Australia, Canberra.
Bell, B. 1990. The status and management of the White-breasted White-eye and other birds of Norfolk Island. Unpublished report by Royal Australasian Ornithologists Union to Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service.
Bennett, A. F. 1990. Habitat corridors. Their role in wildlife management and conservation. Department of Conservation and Environment, Melbourne.
Clarke, R.H. & Clarke, M.F. 1999. Translocation proposal for the Black-eared Miner. Report to the Black-eared Miner Recovery Team.
Clarke, R.H., Boulton, R.L. & Clarke, M.F. 2002. Translocation of the socially complex Black-eared Miner Manorina melanotis: a trial using hard and soft release techniques. Pacific Conservation Biology 8: 223-234
Commonwealth of Australia. 2000. Plan of Management Norfolk Island National Park and Norfolk Island Botanic Garden. Director of National Parks, Commonwealth of Australia.
De Ravin, J.A.1975. The birds of Norfolk Island. Australian Bird Watcher 6: 4-10.
Garnett S.T. & G.M. Crowley. 2000. The Action Plan for Australian Birds. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Gilmour, P.M. & Helman, C.E. 1989. The Vegetation of Norfolk Island National Park. Unpublished report to the Australian Parks and Wildlife Service.
Hay, R. 1986. Bird Conservation in the Pacific Island. International Council for Bird Preservation Study Report 7. Cambridge.
Hermes, N., Evans, O. & Evans, B. 1986. Norfolk Island birds: a review 1985. Notornis 33: 141-149.
Hermes, N. 1985. Birds of Norfolk Island. Wonderland Publications, Norfolk Island.
Hicks, J. & Greenwood, D. 1990. Rescuing Norfolk Island's Parrot. Birds International 2: 35-47.
Hill, R. 2002. Recovery Plan for the Norfolk Island Green Parrot Cyanoramphus novaeseelandiae cookii. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Innes, J. 1995. Evaluation of the Norfolk Island rat control program. Landcare Research Report to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency. Canberra.
McClelland, P.J., 2002a. Eradication of Pacific rats (Rattus exulans) from Whenua Hou Nature Reserve (Codfish Island), Putauhinu and Rarotoka Islands, New Zealand. Pp 173-181. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N. (eds). Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
McClelland, P.J., 2002b. Island quarantine - prevention is better than cure. Pp 409. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N. (eds). Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
McNamara, K. J. 1989. Summary report of CONCOM Technical Workshop on island management. In Australian and New Zealand Islands: Nature Conservation Values and Management. (ed.) A. Burbidge, Proceedings of a workshop on Barrow island, Western Australia, 1985. Department of Conservation and Land Management, Western Australia.
Mack, R.N. & Lonsdale, W.M. 2002. Eradicating invasive plants: hard-won lessons for islands. Pp164-172. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N. (eds). Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Major, R. 1989. Reproductive output and recruitment of the Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin (Petroica multicolor multicolor) Phase II. Report to Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra.
Olsen, P. 1997. Recovery Plan for the Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata. Environment Australia, Canberra.
Pierce, R.J. 2002. Pacific rats: their impact on two small seabird species in the Hen and Chicken Islands, New Zealand. Pp 411. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N. (eds). Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Robinson, D. 1988. Ecology and Management of the Scarlet Robin, White-breasted White-eye and Long-billed White-eye of Norfolk Island. Report to Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra.
Robinson, D. 1997. An evaluation of the status of the Norfolk Island Robin following rat-control and weed-control works in the Norfolk Island National Park. Report to Environment Australia, Canberra.
Schodde, R., Fullager, P. and Hermes, N. (1983). A review of Norfolk Island birds: past and present. Special Publication No. 8. Australian Parks and Wildlife Service, Canberra.
Simberloff, D. 2002. Today Tiritiri Matangi, tomorrow the world! Are we aiming too low in invasive control? Pp 4-12. In Veitch, C.R. and Clout, M.N. (eds). Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Smithers, C.N. & Disney, H.J. (1969). The distribution of terrestrial and freshwater birds on Norfolk Island. Australian Zoologist 15: 127-140.
Veitch, C.R. & Clout, M.N. 2002. Turning the tide: the eradication of invasive species. IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.
Wilson, L. 2002. Norfolk Island rat and cat control evaluation. Department of Conservation report to Environment Australia.
ATTACHMENT 1 - Species Information
Norfolk Island Scarlet Robin Norfolk Island Golden Whistler Synonyms Norfolk Island Robin, Pacific Robin. Synonyms Tamey, Norfolk Island Thickhead. Population Restricted to a single important population, endemic to Norfolk I. The population is estimated at 380-440 pairs (Robinson 1988) or c. 440 pairs (Robinson 1997). Population has declined, and range contracted since c. 1960 (disappeared from most areas outside NINP in 1980s) due to habitat loss, modification of habitat and predation (Smithers & Disney 1969; Schodde et al. 1983; Hermes et al. 1986; Robinson 1988, 1997; Major 1989; Bell 1990). Population remained stable, 1987-96, and appears secure in NINP while predator control continues (Innes 1995; Robinson 1997). Sites of importance are NINP (by far the largest sub-population), valleys between Prince Phillip Drive and JE Rd, between JE Rd and Selwyn Pine Rd, between Selwyn Pine Rd and Mt Pitt Rd, between Mission Rd and Douglas Drive, between Mission Rd and the Park boundaries and the valleys near Duncombe Bay. Sites outside NINP contained c. 50 pairs, possibly up to 100 pairs in 1987, but numbers have since declined substantially outside NINP (Robinson 1997). Population Restricted to a single important population, endemic to Norfolk I. The population was estimated at 535 pairs (Robinson 1988) or 1000 breeding birds in 1987, with medium level reliability (Garnett & Crowley 2000). However, Robinson (1997) found that the population had decreased substantially both in NINP and elsewhere on the island between 1987 and 1996. The population has generally decreased since 1960s in settled parts of the island after native vegetation was replaced with gardens (Smithers & Disney 1969; De Ravin 1975; Schodde et al. 1983; Hermes 1985), and Norfolk I. had been invaded by Black Rats (Olsen 1997). By far the most birds occur in NINP. Other sites with records in 1996 included Duncombe Bay Rd, Selwyn Reserve, Botanic Gardens, Calder's Valley, Morgie Jowett's, Berry Chapman's, Upper JE Rd, Agnes', Hibiscus Drive, and east of Selwyn Pine Rd (Robinson 1997). Distribution Formerly distributed throughout Norfolk I. and probably Phillip I. Now confined mostly to NINP and nearby forested areas (Garnett & Crowley 2000) (Figure 1). Sites where there are recent historical records but birds have since disappeared include Bumboras, Collins Head, Ball Bay, and Rocky Point (Robinson 1988). The 11 Public Reserves (managed by NI Administration) and NINP are Commonwealth land. Distribution Formerly distributed throughout Norfolk I. and probably Phillip I. Since 1978 it has disappeared from most areas outside NINP (Bell 1990; Robinson 1997). Now confined mostly to NINP and nearby forested areas (Robinson 1997) (Figure 1). The 11 Public Reserves (managed by NI Administration) and NINP are Commonwealth land. Habitat requirements Mainly inhabit cooler and damper native rainforest, with lower densities in habitats dominated by Norfolk I. Palms Rhopalostylis baueri or exotic African Olives Olea europaea, and very occasionally in exotic eucalypt forest (Robinson 1988, 1997; Major 1989). Mainly in rainforest with an overstorey of native hardwoods and emergent 20m+ high Norfolk I. Pines Araucaria heterophylla, a middle layer 5-8m tall, dominated by Red Guava Psidium cattleianum mixed with various species including Beech Rapanea crassifolia, Ironwood Nestegis apetala, Maple Elaeodendron curtipendulum and Bloodwood Baloghia inophylla. Generally prefer areas such as gullies with a deep, moist litter-layer, dense shrub layer 1-10m tall to provide shelter and nest sites, and an open shaded layer near ground level to provide visibility for foraging (Robinson 1988, 1997). Habitats with denser ground-layer, such as dense patches of olives and guavas, restrict visibility for foraging (Robinson 1988). Occasionally in regenerating forest (Robinson 1988, 1997; Major 1989). Young tend to shelter close to ground (Robinson 1988). Habitat requirements Most abundant in palm forest (Robinson 1988). Usually inhabit shrubby understorey in rainforest, palm forest and Norfolk Island Pine forest; also occur in regenerating forest and gardens; sometimes in remnant patches of vegetation in farmland (Smithers & Disney 1969; Hermes 1985). In 1960s and 1970s recorded in or at the edges of pockets of habitat, including riparian clumps of rainforest trees and thickets, throughout island (Smithers & Disney 1969; Schodde et al. 1983). However, much habitat has been cleared or fragmented and range has contracted recently; so that now mainly confined to largest tract of remnant forest in NINP (De Ravin 1975; Garnett & Crowley 2000). The finer points of the Whistler's habitat requirements, including breeding requirements, are poorly known.
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