Fraser Island Essay

Fraser Island is the biggest sandy island containing one of the largest and most diverse Australian bird populations. A variety of birds including numerous raptor species, and common species such as crows frequently inhabit the eastern beaches of the island. The hypotheses that were examined in this study were that higher numbers of raptor individuals will occur on higher dunes that are positioned on the eastern beach, far fewer raptors will occur when aircraft is present on the beach, and that the number of Torresian crows will be substantially higher within human settlements. The study occurred on the eastern beach of Fraser Island, and the number and species of birds, and the environment type in each 5km sections over 100km were documented. In each 5km section, raptor numbers in total, dune height, number of aircraft, and Torresian crow numbers were recorded across the 100km. It was noted which sections were camping or non-camping areas. It was determined that more raptor individuals occurred on higher dunes as a result of better conditions for perching and hunting, that the presence of aircraft resulted in fewer raptors on the

Above sea level, the highest point of the island is measured at 235m, it is between 5km and 25km in width, and is 122km in length. The majority of the eastern section of the island is a flat, continuous sandy beach (Stewart, Hobson, 2006). With over 230 bird species inhabiting Fraser Island, its community of birds is recognised as being one of the biggest and most diverse in Australia (Mühlhäusler, Peace, 2001). Terns, gulls, pelicans, pied oyster catchers, and crows, as well as birds of prey species including peregrine falcons, brahminy kites and white-breasted sea eagles are among the wide variety of birds that are found along Fraser Island beaches (Mühlhäusler, Peace,