Lower Brodribb River (26485)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Lower Brodribb River
Central coordinates: Latitude: -37.7547, Longitude: 148.5648
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 10
Area of KBA (km2): 17.13805
Protected area coverage (%): 56.76
KBA classification: Global/Regional TBD
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: This IBA includes the larger reedbeds of the Lower Brodribb River floodplains between Orbost and Marlo in south-east Victoria. The largest reedbeds are around Lake Curlip on the Brodribb, extending upstream to the Princes Highway, downstream to the Marlo Road and up Cabbage Tree Creek. Extensive reedbeds are known to support breeding Australasian Bitterns but the birds' use of other smaller reedbeds and other wetlands in the vicinity, including the Lower Snowy River floodplain, is poorly known. Further surveys may indicate that some additional wetlands should be included in the IBA. The Brodribb River is a short river with its catchment in nearby hills; this lower stretch crosses the flat coastal plain and spills into a number of lakes and swamps. Most of the IBA is within cattle grazed farmland but the eastern edge abuts extensive forest.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance because it meets one or more previously established criteria and thresholds for identifying sites of biodiversity importance (including Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction sites, and Key Biodiversity Areas)
Additional biodiversity: Other birds have not been documented for this IBA.
Other site values: Parks Victoria; Crown Land; private. Much of the area is on private land - permission must be sought to leave public roads.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research | not utilised | rangeland/pastureland
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Marine Coastal/Supratidal | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Further surveys are required to assess the exact extent of bittern habitat and to investigate potential threats and management actions. Any blockages to the Snowy River mouth should be opened promptly.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Small dams | Ongoing |
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
Additional information
Contributors: David Hollands and Len Axen kindly shared their observations of bitterns at this site.