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Oriental Plover (Charadrius veredus)

The Oriental Plover is a medium-sized migratory plover that visits northern and inland Australia, especially Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. It can occur on open plains, grasslands, claypans, wetlands and coastal mudflats, so clearing, earthworks and disturbance may affect feeding or movement areas. It is not listed as threatened in Australia, but it is protected as a migratory species under the EPBC Act and related international agreements.

Conservation status

Commonwealth, EPBC Act 1999: Listed migratory. Listed under the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Listed migratory species are a matter of national environmental significance, so a significant impact needs referral.

Queensland, Nature Conservation Act 1992: Special least concern. A least concern bird covered by an international migratory bird agreement. Tampering with its breeding place needs a high risk species management program.

Western Australia, Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: Specially protected (migratory).

Migration and breeding season

The Oriental Plover is a regular summer migrant to northern Australia. It generally arrives from late August to September, reaches highest numbers from October to November, and leaves from March to April. Timing varies between regions and years, particularly with rainfall and food availability.

Breeding range: Breeds overseas in arid and mountainous areas of Mongolia and eastern China.

Breeding mode: Lays eggs. Other breeding details are not recorded.

Breeding sites: Specific nest sites and nest placement are not recorded.

Clutch size: Not recorded.

Incubation period: Not recorded.

Fledging period: Not recorded.

Age at maturity and breeding frequency: Not recorded.

Numbers and distribution can change between years and regions with rainfall, wet-season conditions and localised grasshopper availability, so site checks should cover both coastal and inland habitat during the migration period.

  • Breeding overseas, Mongolia and eastern China: Breeding is expected during the northern spring and summer, but species specific breeding dates are poorly documented.
  • Southward arrival and passage in Australia: Arrival begins in late August or early September, with increasing numbers through October and November.
  • Non-breeding presence in Australia: Birds remain in Australia through the warmer months, using coastal areas and inland plains, with some dispersal after wet-season rains.
  • Northward departure and passage: Most birds leave from March to April, although movement may continue into early May in some northern areas.
  • Highest clearing risk: The highest risk is from September to April, when birds may be concentrated on coastal roosts, mudflats, plains and grasslands used for feeding or passage.

Identification: Appearance

The Oriental Plover is a distinctive, long-legged plover with a tall, slender shape. Identification is mainly visual, especially in open country where its posture, colour and movement can be seen clearly.

In non-breeding plumage, the upperparts are uniform golden-brown. The forehead, lores, supercilium and sides of the neck are cream-brown, while the crown and ear coverts are darker. The underparts are cream, with a brown wash across the breast.

The bill is short and black. The legs are pale orange. Juveniles resemble non-breeding birds but have buff-edged feathers that give the upperparts a mottled appearance.

Breeding males have a white head and neck, golden-brown upperparts, a bright chestnut breast and a thick black band below the breast. Females are browner and lack the strong black band.

Plumage in Australia: Most birds encountered in Australia are in non-breeding plumage.

  • Look for a tall, upright plover with relatively long legs.
  • The golden tinge to the upperparts is useful in good light.
  • Birds may appear plain and cryptic when settled on dry grassland or bare ground.

Identification: Similar species

The Greater Sand Plover is generally stockier. Its wings extend beyond the tail, whereas the Oriental Plover's wings do not. The Oriental Plover also has shorter legs than the Greater Sand Plover.

The Pacific Golden Plover is similar in size but is plumper and shorter-legged. The Oriental Plover's golden-brown upperparts and taller shape are useful distinguishing features.

  • Check the wing and tail relationship on settled birds.
  • Compare leg length and body shape with other plovers nearby.
  • Do not rely on colour alone in poor light or during rain.

Identification: Calls and field signs

No reliable call feature is used here for routine site identification. Watch open ground, grassland and wetland margins carefully, particularly during early morning, late afternoon and night surveys when birds may be feeding or moving.

Droppings, nests, whitewash, stains and odour are not reliable field signs for this species. A bird record, clear photograph or detailed observation is preferable.

  • Record the number of birds, location, habitat and behaviour.
  • Photograph birds from a distance where identification is uncertain.
  • Avoid approaching to obtain a better view, especially where birds are roosting.

Distribution: Australian range

In Australia, the Oriental Plover is mainly a visitor to northern Australia and adjacent inland areas. It may occur elsewhere in small numbers, particularly during movement periods, so a site outside its main range should not be dismissed without checking local records.

The species is recorded in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland, with its strongest occurrence in northern Australia. It is also mapped in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, usually as a scarce visitor or straggler.

Important areas include the Eighty Mile Beach region and inland plains of north-western Australia, the Kimberley, the Pilbara, the Northern Territory and the Gulf of Carpentaria region of Queensland.

Known concentration: More than 4,000 birds were recorded along the southern section of Eighty Mile Beach in October 2017.

Other Eighty Mile Beach count: Nine birds were recorded there in March 2018.

  • Western Australia, especially Eighty Mile Beach and adjacent inland plains.
  • Northern Territory, including Darwin and other northern areas.
  • Queensland, particularly the Gulf of Carpentaria.
  • New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, generally in very small numbers.

Distribution: Overseas range

The Oriental Plover breeds in arid and mountainous areas of Mongolia and eastern China. It moves through the East Asian to Australasian Flyway and spends the non-breeding season in Australia.

  • Breeding range, Mongolia and eastern China.
  • Non-breeding range, Australia, with movements through eastern and northern Asia.

Distribution: Site assessment

Check the Atlas of Living Australia, state databases, local bird records and previous environmental assessments before clearing. Records may be concentrated in particular seasons and can change markedly between years.

A site can be relevant even when the species has not been recorded there recently. Open plains and grasslands inland from major coastal roosts may be used after rain or when food is abundant.

  • Map all open grassland, claypan, wetland, mudflat and beach habitat.
  • Consider nearby habitat as well as the construction footprint.
  • Record flyovers and birds using the site, not only birds that remain on the ground.

Habitat: Open inland habitat

The Oriental Plover uses open, sparsely vegetated country rather than dense woodland or closed vegetation. It may shift between coastal and inland habitats during the Australian non-breeding season.

Look for open grasslands, sparsely vegetated plains, bare rolling country and ploughed or disturbed ground. Bare claypans and dry or seasonally wet depressions may also be used.

In northern Australia, birds may occur across plains inland from Eighty Mile Beach and Broome. They may spread inland after wet-season rains.

  • Open grasslands and treeless plains.
  • Sparsely vegetated claypans and depressions.
  • Dry, bare or lightly grassed areas away from dense cover.
  • Grassy airfields, sports fields and lawns where birds are present.

Habitat: Wetland and coastal habitat

Potential habitat includes tidal mudflats, sandy beaches, estuarine areas, coastal marsh margins, terrestrial wetlands and muddy or sandy areas near inland swamps.

The species may be seen close to the coast on arrival, then move across inland areas. A coastal site should therefore be assessed together with connected inland plains and wetlands.

  • Tidal mudflats and estuarine margins.
  • Beaches and adjacent open coastal plains.
  • Claypans and wetland margins.
  • Freshwater or seasonally wet areas in open country.

Habitat: What to check before works

Walk or scan the full work area and nearby open habitat. Pay particular attention to places with a clear view, little tall vegetation and patches of bare ground.

Map habitat that may be used for feeding, roosting or movement. Include temporary wet areas and grassland that may become attractive after rain or an insect emergence.

  • Avoid assuming that dry ground has no habitat value.
  • Check for birds before vegetation removal, grading, drilling or vehicle access.
  • Repeat checks during the species' likely presence period.

Foraging habitat: Food and feeding areas

The Oriental Plover is associated with open feeding areas and may forage on coastal flats, inland plains and grasslands. It is thought to feed mainly at night, so daytime searches alone may underestimate use of a site.

The species is described as a grasshopper-eating wader and may gather where grasshoppers are abundant. It has been observed feeding in the late afternoon and is thought to forage mostly at night.

Detailed diet information is limited. Treat open areas with abundant insects, recent rain, short grass or exposed soil as potential feeding habitat.

  • Grasslands and open plains with insect activity.
  • Bare or sparsely vegetated ground near wetland margins.
  • Coastal flats, beaches and muddy or sandy wastes.
  • Areas supporting localised grasshopper activity.

Foraging habitat: Behaviour to record

Record whether birds are feeding, resting, moving between areas or responding to vehicles and people. Birds may feed on the ground, stand quietly or move quickly across open country.

Late afternoon, evening and night observations can be useful. Use lighting carefully and avoid shining lights directly at birds.

  • Record feeding attempts and prey if visible.
  • Note the direction and height of flight movements.
  • Map repeated feeding locations and links to nearby wetland or coastal habitat.

Foraging habitat: Survey approach

Use binoculars and a spotting scope where practical. Scan from outside the habitat rather than walking through likely feeding areas.

For coastal or wetland areas, survey around low tide for feeding activity and around high tide for birds moving to roosts. For inland plains, include late afternoon or nocturnal checks where project risk warrants it.

  • Keep observers and vehicles away from birds where possible.
  • Use existing tracks and established observation points.
  • Record weather, rain, grass condition, insect activity and disturbance.

Breeding habitat: Breeding range

The Oriental Plover breeds outside Australia, in arid and mountainous parts of Mongolia and eastern China. Australian works sites are therefore not breeding areas for this species, but they may support birds during migration or the non-breeding season.

Breeding occurs in Mongolia and eastern China. Specific nest placement, clutch size, incubation and fledging details are not well established for routine Australian site work.

The species should not be treated as an Australian breeding bird when planning clearing. Its Australian protection relates to its migratory status and use of habitat during its visit.

  • Do not expect nests or dependent young of this species in Australian project areas.
  • Protect suitable Australian feeding, roosting and movement habitat during the visit period.
  • Seek specialist advice if an unusual nest or dependent young is reported.

Breeding habitat: Australian breeding-place obligations

A Queensland least concern bird covered by JAMBA, CAMBA, ROKAMBA or the Bonn Convention is a special least concern animal. Tampering with a breeding place can require a high risk species management program, although the Oriental Plover does not breed in Australia.

Confirm the applicable state approvals and project conditions before disturbing any bird breeding place. Do not assume that a general least concern listing removes all obligations.

  • Check the project approval pathway before clearing.
  • Escalate any suspected breeding-place impact to the project ecologist.
  • Keep records of inspections, decisions and controls.

Breeding habitat: What to protect on site

For this species, the practical focus is usually habitat used for feeding, roosting and movement rather than nests. Maintain open habitat and avoid unnecessary disturbance while birds are present.

Where works are near suitable habitat, use staged clearing and pre-clearance inspections to confirm whether birds are present.

  • Mark no-go habitat before machinery enters the site.
  • Retain connected open areas where feasible.
  • Use a fauna spotter catcher or ecologist for unexpected bird concentrations.

Sheltering habitat: Likely roost features

Oriental Plover sheltering and roosting requirements are not well documented in Australia. Use general migratory shorebird principles, especially the need for open views, low disturbance and reasonable proximity to feeding areas.

Potential roosting habitat includes open beaches, sand spits, exposed flats, high-tide areas and other open ground near feeding habitat. Birds may also use open inland ground when dispersed away from the coast.

At Darwin, migratory shorebirds have been recorded using high-tide roosts that include beaches, mangroves, rocky reefs and ponds. These features should be checked where they occur near a project.

  • Open sand spits and beaches.
  • High-tide margins and exposed flats.
  • Ponds, wetland edges and open inland ground.
  • Places with a clear line of sight to approaching predators.

Sheltering habitat: Roost selection

Shorebirds generally prefer open areas without tall vegetation or structures that block visibility. Roosts are more likely to be used when they are close to feeding areas and are not heavily disturbed.

At night, some shorebirds use sheltered shallow water. Do not assume that a quiet-looking pond or shallow wetland is unused.

  • Look for groups standing or resting during high tide.
  • Check behind dunes, on sand spits and around ponds.
  • Map sight lines, access tracks, dog areas and other disturbance sources.

Sheltering habitat: Buffers and disturbance control

Use the largest practical separation between people, vehicles and birds. At Sandy Creek, general shorebird management has used a 100 m buffer zone beside roosting habitat, with fencing extending about 10 to 20 m across the sand. Apply site-specific advice from the project ecologist and approval conditions.

Dogs, four-wheel-drive vehicles, boats, aircraft, walkers and machinery can cause alarm flights. Repeated disturbance can increase energy use and cause birds to abandon a roost.

  • Keep access paths away from known roost sides where practicable.
  • Control dogs and unauthorised vehicle access.
  • Use signs, gates and fencing where public access is contributing to disturbance.
  • Record the time, duration, stimulus and bird response for every disturbance event.

Migration and seasonal presence: Arrival and departure

The Oriental Plover is a regular summer migrant to Australia. Timing varies between regions and years, but the main Australian presence is from late winter or early spring through autumn, with birds shifting between coastal and inland areas after rain.

In northern Australia, arrivals begin in late August or early September. Numbers commonly increase through October and November. Most birds leave for the breeding grounds in March and April.

At Darwin, migratory shorebirds generally begin arriving in August, peak from September to November and may depart as late as May. Use these broader periods when planning risk controls outside the main northern range.

  • Arrival, late August to September.
  • Peak presence, October to November.
  • Northward departure, March to April, with some birds potentially present into May.

Migration and seasonal presence: Seasonal movements in Australia

Birds may initially gather on Eighty Mile Beach and nearby plains. When the wet season begins, they may disperse inland across northern Australia and use grasslands, plains, wetlands and freshwater environments.

The species can occur in large concentrations in some years and in very small numbers in others. Localised grasshopper abundance and conditions elsewhere in northern Australia may influence where birds gather.

  • Check coastal habitat before and during arrival.
  • Check inland plains after rain and during the wet season.
  • Treat movement corridors between coastal and inland habitat as potentially relevant.

Migration and seasonal presence: Passage periods and works timing

Potential southward movement through inland development areas is greatest from August to mid-November. Potential northward movement is most likely from early March to early May, although the timing and route can be less predictable.

Migratory flights often occur in the late afternoon and evening, particularly in the final 2 to 3 hours before sunset. Plan inspections and lighting controls around these periods where the project intersects open movement habitat.

  • Complete pre-clearance checks before work begins in late winter or spring.
  • Repeat checks during March to May if works overlap likely northward movement.
  • Avoid unnecessary night lighting over open plains, wetlands and coastal habitat.
  • Record flight direction, flock size, time and likely destination.

Migration and seasonal presence: Important habitat in Australia

Important habitat may include areas that support large numbers, regular feeding or roosting, or movement between coastal and inland areas. Eighty Mile Beach is internationally important for the species, and adjacent inland plains can also support substantial use.

A small site can still matter if it is part of a broader habitat network or provides a feeding, roosting or movement function. Consider the whole connected area, not only the cleared footprint.

International threshold in some survey assessments: 230 individuals, based on 0.1 per cent of the flyway population.

  • Large coastal concentrations and associated plains.
  • Open inland grasslands and sparsely vegetated plains.
  • Claypans, wetlands and wetland margins.
  • Tidal mudflats, beaches and high-tide roosts.
  • Habitat connecting coastal areas with inland feeding areas.

Threats: Habitat loss and alteration

The main work-site risks are habitat loss, disturbance and interruption of movement between feeding and roosting areas. The Oriental Plover is not listed as threatened in Australia, but its migratory protection means that significant impacts may require referral under the EPBC Act.

Clearing, grading, filling, draining and dredging can remove open feeding or roosting habitat. Coastal development, reclamation and changes to wetland hydrology may reduce the value of mudflats, beaches, claypans and inland plains.

Retain suitable habitat where possible and avoid creating isolated patches that birds cannot use safely.

  • Map habitat before design and clearing.
  • Avoid unnecessary clearing of open plains and wetland margins.
  • Maintain links between coastal and inland habitat.
  • Control sediment, runoff and spills.

Threats: Disturbance from people and machinery

Vehicles, earthmoving equipment, walkers, dogs, boats, low-flying aircraft, skydivers and recreational activities can cause alarm flights. Repeated disturbance can reduce feeding time, increase energy use and lead to abandonment of a roost or staging area.

Keep people and machinery outside mapped habitat where possible. Use controlled access, clear signage and trained spotters.

  • Set exclusion areas around active roosts and feeding concentrations.
  • Keep dogs under control and maintain dog-zoning rules.
  • Restrict unnecessary vehicle access and four-wheel-drive use.
  • Schedule noisy works away from peak bird use where practicable.

Threats: Lighting, noise and visual impacts

Night lighting can affect a species that often feeds at night. Loud noise, vibration, construction plant and loss of line of sight may also reduce habitat use.

Direct lights away from wetlands, beaches, open plains and known flight paths. Use the lowest practical intensity and avoid unnecessary lighting during late afternoon, evening and night movement periods.

  • Shield lights and avoid upward or outward spill.
  • Keep lighting focused on active work areas.
  • Reduce idling, unnecessary alarms and avoidable vibration.
  • Maintain open sight lines around roosts.

Threats: Legal and monitoring controls

The Oriental Plover is listed as migratory under the EPBC Act through the Bonn Convention, CAMBA, JAMBA and ROKAMBA. Actions likely to have a significant impact on a listed migratory species may need referral under the EPBC Act.

Monitor bird numbers, behaviour and disturbance before and during works. Escalate repeated alarm flights, roost abandonment, injury, mortality or concentrations approaching local or national thresholds.

Australian threatened status: Not listed as endangered, vulnerable or near threatened in Australia.

EPBC status: Listed migratory species.

Queensland status: A least concern bird covered by the relevant migratory agreements is a special least concern animal in Queensland.

  • Check EPBC referral requirements before construction.
  • Confirm state and territory approval conditions.
  • Use pre-clearance and daily checks where birds are likely to be present.
  • Keep a disturbance log with time, duration, cause, response and affected numbers.
  • Seek ecologist advice before altering active roosts, feeding areas or movement routes.

Survey methodology: 1. Desktop assessment

Survey for Oriental Plovers in both coastal and inland habitat. The species is mobile, can occur in small numbers, and may be overlooked outside peak movement periods. Use experienced shorebird observers where possible.

Map coastal mudflats, beaches, estuarine margins, claypans, sparsely vegetated plains, grasslands, freshwater wetlands and inland open country.

Check records from the Atlas of Living Australia, state databases, local shorebird groups and previous environmental assessments.

Treat Eighty Mile Beach, adjacent plains and other known northern Australian congregation areas as important habitat. Large numbers may occur before the wet season, then disperse inland after rain.

Check whether the action could significantly affect a listed migratory species. Consider habitat loss, disturbance, lighting, noise, vehicle movement, altered drainage and barriers to movement.

Survey methodology: 2. Timing and survey conditions

Plan surveys during the Australian non-breeding period. The species begins arriving in late August or early September, numbers commonly increase through October and November, and most birds leave by mid-April.

In Darwin, use monthly surveys from September to April and an additional survey in July where the site may support migratory shorebirds.

Give extra attention to late August to mid-November for southward movement and early March to early May for northward movement through northern development areas.

Survey in suitable weather and daylight. Avoid high rainfall and strong winds where practicable. For coastal sites, work around spring high tides above 6.5 m for roost counts and falling low tides from about 5.5 m for foraging counts.

Survey methodology: 3. Field search method

Complete a high-tide roost survey within two hours either side of peak high tide. Search beaches, open sand, mudflats, claypans, ponds, bare ground and elevated areas with clear views.

Complete a low-tide survey within two hours either side of low tide where intertidal feeding habitat is present. Walk the full accessible shoreline and inspect adjacent plains and wetland margins.

Allow at least two hours for a site survey where practicable. Keep observers at least 100 m from birds where this can be achieved without reducing detection.

Use binoculars and a 20 to 60 times magnification spotting scope. Scan slowly and repeatedly because birds may be dispersed or feeding at night and during cooler parts of the day.

Survey methodology: 4. Records and interpretation

Record the date, time, tide, weather, rainfall, wind, survey duration, observer names and equipment used.

Count all Oriental Plovers and record their location, habitat, behaviour, direction of movement and whether they are feeding, roosting or flying through.

Map birds, roosts, feeding areas, flight paths, disturbance sources and access routes. Record dogs, people, vehicles, boats, aircraft, lighting and other potential disturbances.

Record any flock containing 230 or more birds as potentially meeting the national significance threshold identified for this species. A count of 2,300 or more represents 1 percent of the flyway population estimate used in regional assessments.

Before habitat disturbance: 1. Approvals and permits

Avoid disturbance first, then control the work area and obtain the approvals that apply. Treat suitable habitat as potentially occupied during the migration period, even when birds are absent on one visit.

Refer an action under the EPBC Act if it is likely to have a significant impact on Oriental Plovers or their important habitat.

In Queensland, obtain a high risk species management program before tampering with the breeding place of this special least concern animal. Confirm the requirement with the Queensland regulator before work starts.

Check state and territory wildlife legislation, scientific permits, animal ethics requirements and land manager approvals. Use only appropriately authorised fauna handlers.

Include the species in the project environmental management plan, clearing permit, method statement and stop-work procedure.

Before habitat disturbance: 2. Avoidance and site design

Avoid clearing coastal mudflats, beaches, estuarine margins, open plains, claypans, grasslands and freshwater wetland margins where practicable.

Keep access tracks, laydown areas, lighting and noisy activities away from feeding and roosting habitat. At Sandy Creek, access paths were recommended on the north-eastern side because most shorebirds roosted on the western side.

Maintain clear views around roosts. Do not place structures, spoil, dense plantings or fencing where they obstruct predator detection or force birds into unsafe areas.

Use a site-specific buffer based on bird response, habitat, activity and regulator requirements. A 100 m buffer has been used for shorebird management at Sandy Creek, but do not apply it as a universal distance without ecological and regulatory review.

Before habitat disturbance: 3. Pre-clearance survey

Survey all areas proposed for clearing, earthworks, access, lighting and stockpiling during the relevant migration period. Include nearby habitat that could be affected by noise, dust, traffic or changed drainage.

Search at high tide and low tide where both roosting and feeding habitat occur. Repeat surveys when birds are absent but suitable habitat remains, especially after rain or before wet-season movement.

Check open ground, bare clay, grassland, beaches, ponds, mudflats and inland plains. Inspect the site during late afternoon where movement towards roosts may occur.

Mark occupied habitat, roosts, feeding areas and movement routes on plans. Brief the project ecologist and site supervisor before mobilisation.

Before habitat disturbance: 4. Timing and crew induction

Schedule clearing outside the main period of use where practicable. In northern Australia, plan around late August or September arrival to mid-April departure, while recognising that local timing varies.

Avoid night works near known feeding or roosting areas because Oriental Plovers may forage at night and artificial light can alter behaviour.

Induct all workers on identification, habitat, exclusion areas, dog controls, vehicle routes, lighting controls and the stop-work process.

Provide recent photographs and field marks. The species is a slender plover with golden brown upperparts, pale underparts, a short black bill and pale orange legs in non-breeding plumage.

During habitat disturbance: 1. Sequential clearing

Use a staged approach and keep a competent fauna spotter catcher or ecologist in control of wildlife decisions. Stop work whenever the approved conditions, exclusion limits or animal welfare requirements cannot be met.

Clear in stages from the least suitable area towards retained habitat so birds have a clear route away from machinery.

Keep machinery, vehicles, people and dogs out of mapped roosts, feeding areas and exclusion zones.

Use a spotter catcher to inspect the work area immediately before each clearing stage and after breaks, changes in tide or changes in weather.

Stop work if birds show repeated alarm flights, cannot settle, are trapped between works and water, or are being forced into traffic or other hazards.

During habitat disturbance: 2. Wildlife handling and active sites

Only authorised and trained personnel may catch, handle, contain or release an Oriental Plover. Do not chase birds or attempt capture unless there is an immediate welfare need and the person is authorised.

If a nest, dependent young, active breeding place, flock, roost or regular feeding area is found, stop work in the affected area and establish a temporary exclusion zone.

Do not disturb, move, destroy or tamper with a breeding place without confirming the legal pathway and any required approval or species management program.

Obtain advice from the project ecologist and relevant regulator before restarting. Record the location, habitat, bird numbers, behaviour, work activity and decision made.

During habitat disturbance: 3. Injured or distressed birds

Stop nearby work and keep people, dogs and vehicles away. Reduce noise and visual pressure without pursuing the bird.

Contact the fauna spotter catcher, project ecologist, wildlife rehabilitator or relevant wildlife authority for advice.

Handle only when directed by an authorised person. Use a suitable ventilated container, keep the bird cool, quiet and secure, and do not provide food or water unless directed by a wildlife professional.

Record the time, location, apparent cause, condition, handler, destination and any treatment or release advice.

During habitat disturbance: 4. Daily records and stop-work authority

Give the spotter catcher clear authority to stop work without waiting for supervisor approval when wildlife, habitat or approval conditions may be affected.

Record start and finish times, clearing area, weather, tide, observers, wildlife sightings, disturbance events, injuries, controls and any breaches.

For disturbance events, record the stimulus, duration, bird response, species and numbers affected, and where the stimulus entered and left the area.

Report any EPBC Act, permit, management program or environmental management plan breach through the project incident system on the same day.

After habitat disturbance: 1. Post-clearance checks

Post-clearance work should confirm that no birds, habitat features or access routes have been missed. Use the results to adjust controls during the next work stage and across the wider project.

Inspect the cleared area, retained habitat edges, drainage lines, ponds, beaches and nearby roosts after each clearing stage.

Check for trapped, injured or displaced birds and for new concentrations in adjacent habitat. Use high-tide and low-tide checks where the site supports both roosting and feeding.

Confirm that exclusion fencing, gates, signs, lighting controls and vehicle restrictions remain in place.

Remove fauna hazards such as open trenches, unsecured netting, waste, loose wire and contaminated water where practicable.

After habitat disturbance: 2. Monitoring and adaptive management

Continue monthly monitoring from September to April and include a July survey where required by the approval or management plan.

Repeat monitoring after major changes in habitat, drainage, access, lighting, wet-season conditions or disturbance levels.

Compare bird numbers, behaviour, habitat use and disturbance with pre-work records. Investigate repeated alarm flights, roost abandonment or movement into unsafe areas.

Increase controls, alter work timing or redesign access where monitoring shows that birds are avoiding habitat or losing access to feeding and roosting areas.

After habitat disturbance: 3. Relocated or rescued animals

Record every captured, rescued or relocated bird separately from normal sightings.

Release a recovered bird only on advice from an authorised wildlife professional, at a suitable nearby location with clear flight access and no active disturbance.

Record the release location, time, condition, method, person responsible and any follow-up observation.

Do not relocate healthy birds simply because they are near a work area. Use avoidance and exclusion controls instead.

After habitat disturbance: 4. Reporting and incident review

Submit survey, clearing, disturbance, injury, rescue and relocation records to the project environmental manager and relevant regulator where required.

Map all Oriental Plover records and update the project constraints layer before the next work package.

Review every stop-work event and environmental incident with the supervisor, spotter catcher and ecologist.

Close out corrective actions before work resumes in the affected area. Retain photographs, field sheets, maps and approval correspondence.

Rehabilitation actions: 1. Restore open habitat

Rehabilitation should restore open habitat and maintain safe movement between feeding and roosting areas. Design for the broad habitat needs of migratory shorebirds rather than creating artificial breeding structures that do not suit this species.

Recontour disturbed ground to match surrounding landform and drainage. Avoid creating steep edges, isolated pits or barriers between plains, wetlands and coastal habitat.

Restore open, sparsely vegetated areas where this reflects the pre-disturbance condition. Retain clear sightlines around known feeding and roosting areas.

Use locally appropriate native species and avoid dense planting in open shorebird habitat. Do not allow revegetation to block access to mudflats, claypans or wetland margins.

Remove temporary roads, hardstand, spoil and fencing from habitat that is not required for ongoing operations.

Rehabilitation actions: 2. Water, weeds and predators

Reinstate natural surface water movement and avoid sudden changes in wetland depth, salinity or inundation timing.

Control weeds before they form dense cover across open feeding areas or obscure views around roosts.

Prevent contaminated runoff, sediment release, litter and spills from entering wetlands, mudflats or coastal waters.

Keep dogs, feral animals and pest species away from restored habitat. Maintain gates and fencing so vehicles cannot enter roosts or beaches without approval.

Rehabilitation actions: 3. Lighting and structures

Remove temporary lighting when construction is complete. Where lighting remains, direct it away from wetlands, beaches, plains and roosts and use the lowest practical intensity.

Do not install structures, screens, stockpiles or dense vegetation that reduce predator visibility around open roosts.

Do not install nest boxes, bat boxes, artificial nests or other breeding structures for Oriental Plovers. The species breeds in arid and mountainous areas of Mongolia and eastern China, and artificial breeding structures are not a suitable Australian mitigation measure.

Use roost structures only where a shorebird ecologist and regulator identify a demonstrated need, suitable design and ongoing maintenance arrangement.

Rehabilitation actions: 4. Long-term monitoring

Monitor restored habitat during the next migration period, with checks from September to April and an additional July check where required.

Record Oriental Plover presence, numbers, feeding and roosting behaviour, vegetation cover, water conditions, weeds, predators, lighting and human disturbance.

Continue monitoring until the habitat is stable and agreed performance criteria are met. For large congregations, compare counts with the national threshold of 230 birds and any project-specific approval criteria.

Use monitoring results to adjust weed control, water management, access, lighting, fencing and revegetation.

Sources