National recovery plan for the Christmas Island Frigatebird (Fregata andrewsi)
Richard Hill and Andrew Dunn, 2004
ISBN 0 642 55008 5
Guide for Decision-makers
The following management actions are required to aid the Christmas Island Frigatebird viability and recovery:
- Adequate resourcing of the identified management activities for the species;
- Quarantine prevention of the introduction of new avian pathogens; and
- Quarantine prevention of the introduction of new invasive weeds.
This taxon will benefit from active conservation management.
Any action which would remove nesting sites, potential nesting sites or habitat critical to survival could result in a significant impact on the species and requires referral to the Commonwealth Environment Minister under the EPBC Act.
Tools to Assist Implementation
| Action | Likely expenses | Cost estimate | Responsibility | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Develop techniques to monitor the total breeding population | Salaries, remote-control helicopter hire | $45,900 | PANCI | Yr 1 |
| Monitor total breeding population | Salaries, airfares, equipment, travel | $126,500 | PANCI | Yr 1-2 |
| Monitor and/or assist recovery of the dryers breeding colony. | Salaries | $10,000 | PANCI, CIP | Yr 1-4 |
| Develop and implement wildlife management plan for habitat outside the national park* | Salaries | $10,000 then $5000 pa | PANCI | Ongoing |
| Ensure protection of habitat critical outside the national park* | PANCI staff time | $2,000 pa | PANCI | Ongoing |
| Implement the Invasive Ants on Christmas Island Action Plan* | PANCI staff, ant bait, contractors research | $475,000 in 2002/3 then c. $100,000 pa | PANCI | Ongoing |
| Maintenance [and regular review] of a quarantine barrier between Christmas Island and all other lands to minimise risks of new avian diseases* | AQIS staff time, PANCI assistance to AQIS | $2000 pa (PANCI) | AQIS | Ongoing |
| Community education program* | PANCI staff, brochure production costs. | $2000 pa | PANCI | Ongoing |
| Establish a recovery team which meets regularly* | PANCI | $2000 pa | PANCI | Ongoing |
| Major review of the recovery plan | Recovery Team | $2500 | PANCI | Yr 5 |
* Actions which share some or all of their objectives with other Christmas Island Recovery Plans.
| Year | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Total Costs | $612,150 | $186,250 | $123,000 | $123,000 | $125,500 |
Landholder incentives
Opportunities exist for the Natural Heritage Trust to be used to protect remnant vegetation on the small areas of native vegetation on private land. Management agreements can be put in place with landholder's permission to protect and enhance native vegetation on the island.
Role and interests of indigenous people
Not relevant.
Interests that will be affected by the plan's implementation or adoption
Parks Australia North, Shire of Christmas Island, Union of Christmas Island Workers, Asia Pacific Space Centre Pty. Ltd., Department of Transport and Regional Services, Department of Immigration, Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, and Christmas Island Phosphates
Consultation with, and advice considered from relevant State and Territory Governments and the general public
This plan was originally written in 1996. The current version was completed by Birds Australia in consultation with Parks Australia North, staff of Christmas Island National Park, and the Department of the Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Both Christmas Island Phosphates and the Shire of Christmas Island were consulted during the preparation of this current plan.
Whilst Christmas Island is a Commonwealth non-self governing Territory, Western Australian laws are applied to the island as Commonwealth applied laws. A number of Western Australian agencies have roles on Christmas Island through agreements with the Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS). DOTARS has consulted with the Department of the Environment and Heritage and has contributed to the development of this plan.
As part of the requirements for the EPBC Act, a three month public consultation phase was undertaken whereby the public was able to contribute comments on draft plans, and where relevant these comments were then incorporated.
Community Participation
Regular press articles in Christmas Island newspapers. Also see action 8 - includes production of a multi-lingual pamphlet on Christmas Island seabirds and a potential curriculum unit on endemic seabirds for both primary and secondary school students.