New Malleefowl nesting mounds have been found in the upper Limestone Coast in known Malleefowl populations. The mounds were discovered using remote sensing technology (LiDAR \u2013 Light Detection and Ranging) and confirmed by on ground inspections. The mounds have been added to the region\u2019s monitoring program.<\/p>\n
Malleefowl populations are declining and in some parts of the Limestone Coast, already extinct.<\/p>\n
On ground activities to protect Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata) in the Limestone Coast are being supported by the Limestone Coast Landscape Board through funding from the Australian Government\u2019s Environment Restoration Fund \u2013 Threatened Species Action Plan \u2013 Priority Species Malleefowl Grant. The project activities include the identification of mounds, feral deer and fox control, revegetation, mound protection and pest plant removal.<\/p>\n
Habitat Conservation team leader Mark de Jong from the Limestone Coast Landscape Board said work such as monitoring and detecting new mounds was exciting for the trajectory of the region\u2019s Malleefowl population contributing to the national conversation about Malleefowl recovery efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith our partners National Parks and Wildlife Services SA, we have discovered thirty new mounds which are now recorded and part of our monitoring system,\u201d Mark said. \u201cTwenty of these are now fenced, protecting them from being accessed and damaged by feral deer.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur region\u2019s Malleefowl populations are the most southern in Australia, and with a warming climate, may become important for the conservation of the species.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we link that to the fact that the state\u2019s largest populations of feral deer occur in this region, the feral deer eradication component of the funding is a significant step towards protecting our Malleefowl at a national level.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe sincerely thank the Australian Government for the funding, and our partners, National Parks and Wildlife Services SA.\u201d<\/p>\n