Recovery plan vision, objective, and strRecovery plan vision, objective, and strategies:

Recovery plan vision, objective, and strategies:

Long-term vision

The Australasian Bittern population has increased in size to such an extent that the species no longer qualifies for listing as threatened under any of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listing criteria.

Recovery plan objective:

The objective of this recovery plan is to demonstrate, by 2032, an increasing trend (compared to 2020 baseline counts) in the number of mature individuals being recorded in annual surveys at key locations, and to ensure that habitat critical to the survival of the Australasian Bittern is protected and managed to meet the ecological requirements of the species.

Strategies to achieve objectives

1 Implement management actions that mitigate or reduce threats to Australasian Bittern and their habitat
2 Enhance the quality, extent and protection of suitable habitat for the Australasian Bittern
3 Undertake research and monitoring to improve knowledge of the biology, ecology and population trends of Australasian Bittern
4 Increase stakeholder participation in Australasian Bittern conservation and management
5 Coordinate, review and report on recovery progress

Criteria for success:

This recovery plan will be deemed successful if, by 2032, all the following have been achieved:

• The relative abundance of Australasian Bittern has increased from 2020 baseline counts as a result of recovery actions
• The number of occupied sites supporting Australasian Bittern has increased from 2020 baseline counts, and the quality of the sites has improved, as measured against a range of environmental health indicators
• Research and monitoring of movement patterns and habitat use have increased understanding of the species ecology and information has been used to improve management actions for the species
• There is increased participation by key stakeholders and the public in recovery efforts and monitoring

Recovery team:

Recovery teams provide advice and assist in coordinating actions described in recovery plans. They include representatives from organisations with a direct interest in the recovery of the species, including those involved in funding and those participating in actions that support the recovery of the species. The national Australasian Bittern Recovery Team has the responsibility of providing advice, coordinating and directing the implementation of the recovery actions outlined in this recovery plan. The membership of the national Recovery Team includes individuals from relevant government agencies, non-government organisations and expertise from independent researchers and community groups.