Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The Northern Swan Coastal Plain IBA supports a considerable portion of the non-breeding population of the endangered Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo and a small number of breeding pairs. The IBA is bounded by the Moore River to the north, Darling Range to the east, Swan River to the south and the coast and Indian Ocean to the west. The IBA includes all native vegetation remnants in Spearwood and Bassendean North Heddle vegetation types (Western Australian Government 2000), both known to be productive for Carnaby’s Black-Cockatoo. Further suveys may indicate that the IBA could be extended north or south where the status of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo is currently less well known. Pine plantations, which are known to support large numbers of Carnaby’s Cockatoo in the non-breeding season (Johnstone et al. 2008), are included in the IBA. The IBA consists of all native vegetation greater than 1 ha on private land, water catchment areas, state forests, nature reserves and other reserves. Pasture, crops, non-native plants, weed species and market gardens are excluded from the IBA. The 1 ha minimum native vegetation criterion has been determined by experts in a consultation process undertaken by the Australian Government (C. Gole pers. comm. 2009). The area has a Mediterranean climate.
The biome-restricted Regent Parrot and White-breasted Robin have been recorded in a very small number of surveys (Atlas of Australian Birds database). The biome-restricted Western Yellow Robin has been recorded in a small number of surveys (Brooker 2004; Atlas of Australian Birds database). The biome-restricted Red-eared Firetail has been recorded at Whiteman Park (Brooker 2004).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Retention and conservation of pine plantations and/or replacement of food resources; retention and conservation of large tracts of undeveloped native vegetation providing food resources.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project conducted population estimate surveys in 2006; Western Australian Museum undertakes periodic counts and surveys in the IBA; multiple community groups undertake conservation action for Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo, including planting cockatoo-friendly native vegetation; consultants and researchers have conducted research to estimate food resources and carrying capacity of proteaceous woodland; the Western Australian Museum and Water Corporation's Cockatoo Care program has raised awareness and made facilities available for members of the public to provide sightings data. The Australian Government works with a range of stakeholders, including industry, business and consultants, to conduct research and ensure the use of appropriate offsets for native vegetation clearance. Regular roost counts have been undertaken in the western suburbs (Berry 2008).
The IBA overlaps with 32 protected areas.
Multiple private landholders including commercial business interests; Department of Environment and Conservation (nature reserves, national parks); Forests and Products Commission (pine plantations); Water Corporation; local government; market gardeners; industry; Main Roads Department.
Site access / Land-owner requests
Access to private land and areas with restricted access must be arranged with individual land-holders.
Cheryl Gole (WWF-Australia and Birds Australia Western Australia) prepared the nomination. Kellie Mantle (Department of Environment and Conservation) provided mapping assistance. Ron Johnstone (Western Australian Museum), Rob Davis (Edith Cowan University), David Mitchell (Department of Environment and Conservation), Leonie Valentine (Department of Environment and Conservation) and other members of the Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team and Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Project Advisory Group provided invaluable advice, support and data.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Northern Swan Coastal Plain (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/northern-swan-coastal-plain-iba-australia on 23/12/2024.
