Summary

This project will build on a small Pilot study (the first ever study of these birds in Australian rice) to be carried out this season. This application is for RIRDC to be a partner with several organisations fund this research project. With the proposed funds sought being $80,000 with this application for $20,000. The Ricegrower’s Association of Australia(RGA) will work in partnership with Birds Australia to implement the project.
A Bitterns in Rice Project Officer (BIRP) to be employed and tasked with research, community awareness and extension roles.

Program

Rice

Research Organisation

Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia

Objective Summary

The R&D objectives are:-
To establish if the Australasian Bittern breeds in Riverina rice crops
To estimate the number of these birds that inhabit Riverina rice crops
To establish what agronomic practices that create the best breeding habitat for this species
To establish if there are links with the rice farms environmental assetts (vegetation or wetlands) to the birds use of rice crops
To establish if there are links with other agriculture crops or infrastructure Austalasian Bitterns to the birds use of rice crops