5. RECOMMENDATIONS

Falcons are very selective in terms of nest ledge location and only one ledge may be available to them in their home range. Eviction from these sites may render them non-breeding pairs. The following recommendations are all related to the need to minimise opportunities for disturbance to breeding peregrines.

• New walking tracks should not be built close to active nest sites. Work on existing walking tracks in the peregrines' breeding areas, needs to be undertaken outside of the breeding season, ie August to November. Similarly climbing activities should be minimised, preferably avoided altogether, during the breeding season.
• Climbing activities need to be monitored to evaluate whether there is a need to close a section of cliff for the months of October and November.
• Interpretative signage indicating peregrine eyrie at a point on a walk has proven detrimental to breeding success in other parts of Australia and overseas (Vic Hurley personal comments) and is not recommended.
• Other research work around cliffs and rocky outcrops needs to be done outside of the peregrines' breeding season.
• Research on peregrine falcons itself has an impact on them. Any research undertaken should be carried out in conjunction with a recognised authority on peregrine falcons.
• The number of goats in the Lower Snowy area need to be reduced.