The Atlas data are used to:
-
Compare the current distribution and abundance of birds to the
previous Atlas.
-
Assess the value of tree planting and revegetation programs to
birds.
-
Monitor long-term changes in habitat and the effect of these
changes on birds.
-
Help to establish sustainable land-use systems.
See also: Interpreting Atlas data
Volunteers
The Atlas would not have been possible without the army of
volunteer bird watchers that we call Atlassers. Over 7000 of
these dedicated people have participated in the Atlas over its
life. New Atlassers continue to join the project but we can
always use more help.
Become an Atlasser
Anyone with a pair of binoculars, a field guide and an interest
in birds can take part in the Atlas - you don't need to be an
expert. It's enough to have a good familiarity with the birds in
the areas where you would most likely do Atlas surveys. It could
even be your back yard - all data is useful.
Atlassers record the bird species seen in specific areas, along
with the date, time and type of survey. Atlassers are registered
by Birds Australia and sent a kit with instructions on how to
participate. Data can be subitted on paper forms or through the
data entry interface of Birdata.
If you would like to become an Atlasser, please contact the Birds
Australia atlas team on 03 9882 2622 or atlas@birdsaustralia.com.au.
The Atlas of Australian Birds and Birdata
The Atlas
The Atlas is one of Birds Australia's most important projects and is the largest continent-wide survey of
birds in the world.
The first Atlas ran between 1977 and 1981 collecting data in one
degree grid cells. The results of this project were published in
book form in 1984. The new Atlas has been running since 1998 and
has collected over 6 million bird records. In 2004 the project
won the coveted Eureka Award for Biodiversity research.
By analysing these two databases, Birds Australia can measure
which birds have declined, increased, or changed their range over
that 20 year period. By continuing the Atlas indefinately, we
will be able to better monitor the State of
Australia's Birds into the future.
About Birdata
Birdata is a partnership between Birds
Australia and the Tony and Lisette Lewis Foundation's WildlifeLink program to collect and make Birds
Australia data available online.
See also: Birdata credits
Atlas aims
The broad aims of the Atlas are to:
-
Collect information on the distribution and abundance of
Australia's bird species.
-
Involve the community in the conservation and monitoring of
birds.
-
Identify important bird areas.
