Bird utilisation of rehabilitated bauxite minesites in Western Australia

• Published in: Biological conservation 1984, Vol.30 (2), p.109-131
• Main Authors: Nichols, O.G., Watkins, D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Biological and medical sciences; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
• ISSN: 0006-3207; 1873-2917
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-3207(84)90061-2

Alcoa of Australia Limited rehabilitate bauxite mined areas in the southwest of Western Australia. One of the aims of the revegetation programme is to promote the return of fauna species which inhabited areas prior to mining. This paper discusses the extent to which bird species utilise revegetated bauxite minesites. It was shown that revegetated areas as young as 4–5 years can support similar bird species numbers, densities and diversities as unmined forest. However, the avifaunal populations occupying any rehabilitated area depend largely on the rehabilitation technique used. Factors which may be used to increase further avifaunal utilisation of minesites are discussed. The effects of jarrah dieback and fire on forest birds are compared with results for bauxite mined areas. From this, it is possible to assess the combined impact of dieback, fire and mining on the longer term conservation of jarrah forest bird species.