Current view: Text account
Site description (2009 baseline):
Site location and context
Devilbend Reservoir is located on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 50 km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria. Devilbend Reservoir was constructed for water storage and supply in the late 1950s and early 1960s; it began operating in 1965 but was decommissioned in 1999 following the establishment of a new major water supply pipeline between Cardinia Reservoir and Pearcedale. Devilbend Reservoir and surrounding areas of high conservation value (including nearby Bittern Reservoir, which is excluded from the IBA) are now managed for conservation purposes as Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. The IBA captures the entire area of open freshwater at Devilbend Reservoir; this is the largest inland water body on the Mornington Peninsula and seasonally supports large numbers of Blue-billed Duck.
A total of 158 species of birds have been recorded at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, including 14 international migratory species (Parks Victoria 2008). The most abundant species observed during surveys conducted from May 2004 to April 2009 were Eurasian Coot (annual maxima 1500-5300), Blue-billed Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe (annual maxima 75-400) and Black Swan (annual maxima 100-361). These surveys also recorded notable numbers of Musk Duck (annual maxima 50-120).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Maintain water quality and water levels to preserve habitat for Blue-billed Duck and other waterbirds. Investigate the potential impact of introduction of non-endemic game fish upon Blue-billed Duck and other waterbirds.
The IBA is situated within Devilbend Natural Features Reserve.
Land owned by the Victorian State Government and managed by Parks Victoria.
Roger Richards provided survey data.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Devilbend Reservoir (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/devilbend-reservoir-iba-australia on 18/12/2024.
