1 #ISTC20 Monitoring from 1980 onwards revealed a decline in Hooded Plover population along Victorian coast (southern Australia). From 2006, @birdlifeoz runs a broad-scale adaptive management project to improve this declining trajectory by managing threats to breeding birds. 
2 #ISTC20 We identified human disturbance and invasive predators as major threats. Our objectives are to ⬆️breeding success to ⬆️population & protect habitat. >500 trained #CitizenScientists monitor breeding Hooded Plover pairs across ~300 sites in Victoria and South Australia.
3 #ISTC20 Taking the Bellarine Pen & Surf Coast as an example, within 12 years of recovery effort, the population has increased from 9 to 22 breeding pairs. Working with land managers & volunteers, we’re protecting 22 breeding sites via on-ground actions, education & regulations.
4 #ISTC20 Erecting signs and fencing around vulnerable breeding sites to buffer disturbance and eliminate crushing, has significantly increased hatching success and chick survival: signs and fences combined were the most effective management.
5 #ISTC20 Our data also informed changes to local dog laws to minimise off-leash dog threat to breeding Hooded Plovers. Working with land managers, we've implemented seasonal leashing laws, no dog areas & flexible beach closures during the chick phase. Now to improve compliance!
6 #ISTC20 So is this all working? Yes! Long-term, strategic changes to beach management, collaborative work with land managers & the involvement of community volunteers have been ingredients for success at minimising human threats. Next steps tackle non-compliance and predators!
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