Game Management Authority this week closed the east lake at Toolondo Reservoir to duck hunting after significant numbers of Freckled Ducks were recorded during surveys.
GMA Chief Executive Officer Greg Hyams said low water levels had left the reservoir, which is usually a single water body, with three distinct lakes this year. The north and south lakes will remain open.
“Surveying bird numbers and closing wetlands where appropriate helps ensure that rare and threatened species are protected while still enabling duck hunters to participate in their legal recreation,” Mr Hyams said.
“As part of regular monitoring of the site, a survey on Tuesday last week showed that the number of Freckled Duck present had increased to a significant number, which required intervention.”
Mr Hyams warned hunters to clearly identify their target before shooting, particularly around the Toolondo Reservoir area.
The 2016 duck hunting season will close on Monday, June 13.