Wetland habitats are in decline globally. The loss and fragmentation of wetlands can have detrimental impacts on a variety of fauna, including bird populations. The creation of artificial wetlands is one approach that increases the amount of habitat available for vulnerable species. Quarry activities can often result in the creation of critical wetlands, during and following the life of the quarry.
Tweed Sands Lake is an artificial water body situated on the Tweed River floodplain near Cudgen in northern New South Wales. Tweed Sands Lake forms part of an active sand extraction quarry. As a result of significant rehabilitation efforts, such as a planting program, riparian vegetation has become established in sections of the lake.
This study aims to determine if sites that have been subject to revegetation efforts demonstrate greater bird diversity and abundance than unmanaged sites. The study also aims to identify what properties of artificial wetlands are most beneficial to avifauna.
Understanding what bird species are utilizing different habitat types of artificial wetlands such as Tweed Sands Lake may demonstrate the benefits or short-comings of artificial wetlands and also direct future revegetation efforts.