Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
This IBA incorporates Karara and Lochada, previously pastoral properties, which are now owned by the Western Australian Department of Environment and Conservation, and some small areas of intervening land. The IBA was identified from expert opinion that it supports a significant viable population of Malleefowl, as determined by records in relevant databases (notably the Malleefowl Preservation Group database of 1200 sightings over 15 years, WA Dept of Environment and Conservation, WA Museum and Birds Australia Atlas), and other literature and knowledge, that population viability is greatest within large areas of contiguous mallee or Acacia shrubland. Adjacent pastoral stations also support Malleefowl in smaller numbers and could be added to the IBA if management is improved to conserve numbers and breeding success of this species. The IBA is situated in pastoral country adjacent to the Western Australian wheatbelt, about 320 km north-east of Perth. It supports large areas of Acacia shrubland habitat The IBA receives approximately 300 mm of rainfall a year, and although highly variable, rain falls mostly in winter.
The Atlas of Australian Birds contains two records of the biome-restricted Pied Honeyeater for the period 1998 to 2008 (Atlas of Australian Birds database).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Investigate the impact of fire regimes on Malleefowl persistence. Investigate the effect of fox control on Malleefowl and also on meso-predators (i.e. feral cats etc).
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Western Australian Dept. of Environment and Conservation: Sustained introduced predator control in the rangelands.
Weelhamby Lake Nature Reserve is contained within the IBA and the following pastoral leases were being gazetted as Protected Areas in 2006 viz:- Warriedar (20535ha of 72147ha), Karara Pastoral Lease (107348ha) and Lochada (114904ha).
Fully managed by Western Australian State government.
Site access / Land-owner requests
Permits are required for access to Karara and Lochada stations.
Thanks to Blair Parsons for writing the nomination.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Karara and Lochada (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/karara-and-lochada-iba-australia on 22/11/2024.
