The avifauna of Bungalbin, Western Australia – an arid region with minimal human impact

The Bungalbin area in the Great Western Woodlands of Western Australia has remained relatively free of anthropogenic impacts and we report on the occurrence and abundance of 94 bird species recorded in the area up to 1993. This rich avifauna reflects not only the low anthropogenic impacts in the area but also its position between the Bassian and Eremaean biogeographic zones and the diversity of vegetation types present. The most important habitats for birds were Salmon Gum Eucalyptus salmonophloia woodlands, areas of Tammin Mallee E. leptopoda, and Acacia aff. aneura shrublands. The area is likely to be regionally significant for the threatened Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata as well as containing good populations of several uncommon species. However, the area is under threat from mining and this list will provide an important baseline to compare with contemporary surveys, to inform future management of what is a relatively pristine part of the arid zone of Australia.