Summary
The Mallee Bird Community, an assemblage of 20 bird species dependent on Mallee vegetation in the Murray–Darling Depression bioregion, is nationally listed as Endangered. These species are highly vulnerable to habitat loss, altered fire regimes, invasive species, and climate change. Once widespread across the Victorian Mallee, many populations are now small, fragmented, and at high risk of extinction.
This project will strengthen conservation of the Mallee Bird Community by combining targeted surveys with hands-on community engagement. By training local citizen scientists and mapping vegetation structures across different fire-age habitats, the project will improve ecological knowledge and guide future restoration.
Project Strategy
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Conduct structured bird and vegetation surveys across fire-age habitats to identify critical vegetation structures.
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Deploy acoustic recorders (Song Meter Mini 2 devices) to monitor secretive species such as the Mallee Emu-wren and Red-lored Whistler.
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Train volunteers, Landcare members, and landholders in bird identification, habitat assessment, and use of digital data tools.
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Share data with land managers to guide targeted revegetation and habitat restoration.
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Build a long-term community monitoring network to sustain conservation outcomes.
Key Achievements
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Surveys of priority fire-age habitats, improving understanding of threatened species’ needs.
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Community training days with hands-on experience in bird ID, acoustic monitoring, and habitat data collection.
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Engagement of local Landcare groups, volunteers, and citizen scientists in long-term monitoring.
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Production of a final report for land managers with habitat data, bird detections, and seasonal trends.
Partners
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Threatened Species Conservancy (lead)
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Weeah Landcare Group – local engagement and recruitment
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Mallee Landcare Group – regional outreach and alignment with conservation priorities
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Citizen Scientists and Local Community Members – survey participation and long-term monitoring
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Parks Victoria – land management support (Murray–Sunset National Park)
Conservation Status
The project targets the nationally Endangered Mallee Bird Community (EPBC Act), with a focus on:
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Mallee Emu-wren (Stipiturus mallee) – Endangered (EPBC & FFG)
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Black-eared Miner (Manorina melanotis) – Critically Endangered (EPBC & FFG)
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Red-lored Whistler (Pachycephala rufogularis) – Vulnerable (EPBC & FFG)
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Striated Grasswren (Amytornis striatus striatus) – Declining (regional priority)
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Regent Parrot (eastern subspecies, Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides) – Vulnerable (EPBC & FFG)
Costs (Funds Spent & Still Required)
