Birds on the edge: Spatial and temporal patterns in the bird community recorded at a conservation reserve on a bioregion woodland−grassland boundary in central Queensland

Monitoring the changes in occurrence and abundance of wildlife communities over time is important for more effective targeted management understanding long-term due to local global environmental influences. In this study, we report on first systematic bird survey carried out Edgbaston Reserve, a protected area boundary tropical semi-arid bioregions north-central Queensland. We systematically sampled fauna at 24 sites five surveys between 2018 2020, using combination 2-ha searches timed nocturnal censuses. examined variation composition species across multivariate, regression non-parametric analyses. A total 6201 records comprising 123 was collected. Forty-six exhibited significant six habitat types (Ironbark, Gidgee Escarpment woodlands, Springs, Spinifex grasslands Mitchell Grass Downs). Species also varied significantly habitats surveys, there were clear differences grass compared with those woodlands. Twenty recorded only one 17 higher some years, associated an influx granivores nomadic migratory species. The location property woodlands arid that contain springs, contrasting mix eastern- western-distributed birds, suggests continued monitoring avifauna provides opportunity investigate trends, linked change annual management, assist preservation community situated edge two bioregions.