Second aerial duck survey takes flight

FLIGHT PATHS... Residents in survey areas, like those around the Shepparton Airport, may see a helicopter flying at low levels during the survey period. Photo: Supplied.

WILDLIFE biologists have taken to the skies to try to understand and record game duck populations in Victoria.

This is the second aerial duck survey, conducted by the Game Management Authority (GMA), used to monitor the abundance of game duck populations on waterbodies across the state.

Satellite imaging is used to determine how much water is in the landscape, which will inform an estimate of the total abundance of each game duck species.

GMA chief executive officer, Graeme Ford said this is the largest and most comprehensive survey of game ducks undertaken in Victoria.

“The aerial survey was conducted for the first time in 2020, as part of a pilot to test the monitoring program design and evaluate its effectiveness to count duck numbers on Victorian waterbodies,” Mr Ford said.

“An evaluation of the first survey has since found that the methodology for conducting the surveys was robust, and that the data collected is viable.”

“In addition to the 2020 monitoring programme, which surveyed wetlands, sewerage ponds and farm dams, we will now also be surveying irrigation channels, creeks and rivers.”

“Results from this research give us a better understanding of game duck populations and will be used in the future to help inform adaptive harvest management to set sustainable duck season arrangements.”

The 2021 survey is subject to weather conditions and other delays, but is set to take place from Monday, October 18 to Monday, November 15, 2021.

FLIGHT PATHS… Residents in survey areas, like those around the Shepparton Airport, may see a helicopter flying at low levels during the survey period. Photo: Supplied.