Waterfowl Usage of Wetlands in the South-East Arid Interior of Western Australia 1992–93

• DOI: 10.1071/mu97005
• Publication Date: 2004-08-06T02:05:31Z
• Authors: A. Chapman; J.A.K. Lane
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 15. Life on land; 01 natural sciences; 6. Clean water

SummaryThis paper reports the use by 35 waterfowl species of 23 wetlands in arid south-east interior Western Australia following wettest year on record for much region. The majority are saline with individual varying from brackish to hypersaline over relatively short periods that markedly affected waterfowl. Some freshwater supported more (but not individuals) than ones, although salt lakes were significant functioning supporting greater numbers certain species. Onset breeding early is two months after rainfall event. Probably a period maximum biological productivity follows initial filling which also triggers enhanced fact these all dry previous this Breeding did appear extend into second season despite adequate water levels and was inhibited low winter temperatures.