Devilbend Reservoir (26953)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Devilbend Reservoir
Central coordinates: Latitude: -38.2897, Longitude: 145.1052
System: marine, terrestrial
Elevation (m): 70 to 75
Area of KBA (km2): 2.39833
Protected area coverage (%): 97.86
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: Devilbend Reservoir is located on the Mornington Peninsula, approximately 50 km south-east of Melbourne, Victoria. Devilbend Reservoir was constructed for water storage and supply in the late 1950s and early 1960s; it began operating in 1965 but was decommissioned in 1999 following the establishment of a new major water supply pipeline between Cardinia Reservoir and Pearcedale. Devilbend Reservoir and surrounding areas of high conservation value (including nearby Bittern Reservoir, which is excluded from the IBA) are now managed for conservation purposes as Devilbend Natural Features Reserve. The IBA captures the entire area of open freshwater at Devilbend Reservoir; this is the largest inland water body on the Mornington Peninsula and seasonally supports large numbers of Blue-billed Duck.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: A total of 158 species of birds have been recorded at Devilbend Natural Features Reserve, including 14 international migratory species (Parks Victoria 2008). The most abundant species observed during surveys conducted from May 2004 to April 2009 were Eurasian Coot (annual maxima 1500-5300), Blue-billed Duck, Hoary-headed Grebe (annual maxima 75-400) and Black Swan (annual maxima 100-361). These surveys also recorded notable numbers of Musk Duck (annual maxima 50-120).
Other site values: Land owned by the Victorian State Government and managed by Parks Victoria.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial - Aquatic | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Maintain water quality and water levels to preserve habitat for Blue-billed Duck and other waterbirds. Investigate the potential impact of introduction of non-endemic game fish upon Blue-billed Duck and other waterbirds.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural system modifications | Dams & water management/use | Abstraction of surface water (unknown use) | Ongoing |
| Biological resource use | Fishing & harvesting aquatic resources | Motivation Unknown/Unrecorded | Only in the future |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Only in the future |
Additional information
References: Parks Victoria (2008) Devilbend Natural Features Reserve Draft Management Plan. Melbourne: Parks Victoria.