A unique bird, on the brink of extinction, has rebounded globally.<\/p>\n
La Trobe University led research has found a major breeding event has triggered a population rebound for one of the world\u2019s most unique and threatened birds.<\/p>\n
A recent survey in northern Victoria uncovered a record number of Plains-wanderers \u2013 a small, quail-like bird that lives only in eastern Australia grasslands, and represents an ancient lineage of birds that evolved in Gondwana more than 100 million years ago.<\/p>\n
The bird is so critically endangered and taxonomically unique it is ranked the number one priority for conservation action among birds of the world by the Zoological Society of London.<\/p>\n
La Trobe University PhD student, Dan Nugent, said the team found more Plains-wanderers during the recent survey than since monitoring began back in 2010.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe detected 60 adults and 41 chicks. This is more than double the previous best result in 2018 when 30 adults and 17 chicks were detected,\u201d Mr Nugent said.<\/p>\n
\u201cA further encouraging sign was that 85 per cent of monitoring sites supported Plains-wanderers \u2013 the highest percentage of sites since surveys began 12 years ago.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since 2010, ecologists have monitored Plains-wanderer numbers in native grasslands across private and public land on the Northern Plains of Victoria.<\/p>\n
Natural Environment Program Officer at DELWP, Dr Aaron Grinter, said monitoring the elusive bird is a challenge.<\/p>\n
\u201cPlains-wanderers are highly cryptic; they are almost never seen during the day when most active because of their excellent camouflage and wariness of predators, making detectability a major challenge for researchers,\u201d Dr Grinter said.<\/p>\n
Mr Nugent said although the survey results are welcomed by conservationists, there remains significant concerns for the future of Plains-wanderers.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn Victoria, habitat loss driven by conversion of native grasslands to croplands is a major threat. Today, there is estimated to be less than four per cent of the pre-European extent of native grasslands left on the Northern Plains,\u201d Mr Nugent said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith so little habitat remaining, the population will continue to be vulnerable; fox predation may also be a threatening process but remains a knowledge gap.\u201d<\/p>\n