The Plains-wanderer, a small quail-like bird standing just 12 to 15 cm tall and weighing 40 to 90 grams, is critically endangered, with just 250 to 1,000 individuals estimated to be remaining in the wild.
Identified by their straw-yellow legs, bills, and fawn plumage marked with fine black rosettes, these birds are often referred to as the 'Goldilocks bird' because they need very specific conditions to survive.
They thrive in short, sparse grasslands where they forage for seeds, leaves, and insects. However, they are under threat from habitat loss, fox predation, feral cats, and overgrazing.
With few areas of suitable grassland protected in National Parks or reserves, the future of the Plains-wanderer depends heavily on private landholders who maintain critical grassland habitat.
Corowa District Landcare is hosting a ‘Guarding the Grasslands’ field day on Wednesday, October 16 at Cocketgedong Station in Urana.
Attendees will learn about the ongoing conservation projects aimed at protecting this elusive bird, and explore the Station’s native grasslands, developing skills to identify key grass species and their management.
This event is made possible through the partnership between the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW as part of the Private Land Conservation Matters project.
The Federal Government is investing in important new projects in Nicholls to help protect threatened species and landscapes, which includes $2 million for Plains for Wanderers 2023-28.
The Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek said she is committed to protecting the precious habitat of Australia’s threatened plants, animals and ecosystems for future generations.
“As well as protecting more land and sea, we need to better look after the places we are protecting,” she said.
“The priority landscapes that are receiving funding are incredibly biodiverse, with many native animals and plants calling them home. But they need our help.
“These large-scale, multi-year projects will maximise benefits for wildlife by improving and restoring their habitat.”
Corowa District Landcare welcomes the recognition of the value and the ongoing investment in projects aimed at protecting the vital species and habitats of its cross-border neighbour, Nicholls.
“The knowledge and insights generated by these initiatives will undoubtedly benefit our conservation efforts in the future,” Landcare’s senor project officer Dr Meredith Mitchell told The Free Press.
“We particularly appreciate the critical funding boost in Nicholls to restore Grey Box Grassy Woodlands, as this aligns closely with our own restoration work. This will help create cross-border connectivity for native fauna that rely on these woodlands, enhancing the overall habitat network.”
Phone Corowa District Landcare on 0417 858 533 for information and bookings for the October field day.
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