Summary
The Rufous Bristlebird (Otways subspecies, Dasyornis broadbenti caryochrous) is one of Victoria’s most distinctive ground-dwelling birds, yet it is in ongoing decline. Despite the development of a management plan more than 30 years ago, there is still no systematic monitoring program for the species in the Otways. Without robust monitoring, its true status remains uncertain — and conservation action risks coming too late.
The Southern Otway Community Bird Course (SOCBIC) is designed to change that. By training and upskilling community members in advanced bird identification and survey methods, the project will establish the first long-term, citizen science–led monitoring program for the Rufous Bristlebird and other threatened Otway bird species.
Project Strategy
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Training and upskilling: Provide 40 local volunteers with specialist training in bird identification and survey techniques, delivered initially by ecologist Dr Greg Kerr, then continued by TSC’s own trained ecologists.
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Citizen science monitoring: Establish and coordinate monitoring plots for Rufous Bristlebird and other threatened birds, with volunteers leading surveys.
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Community engagement: Increase awareness and connection to nature, building a committed base of local conservation advocates.
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Partnerships: Work with BirdLife Australia, Parks Victoria, Conservation Ecology Centre, Colac Otway Shire, and Southern Otway Landcare Network to ensure scientific rigour and community reach.
Key Achievements
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Launch of the first systematic, long-term monitoring program for Rufous Bristlebird in the Otways.
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40 community members trained in specialist bird survey skills that would normally take years to acquire independently.
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Integration of data into BirdLife Australia databases, contributing to state and national knowledge of threatened birds.
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Community stewardship strengthened, with volunteers directly contributing to the survival of threatened species in their own landscapes.
Partners
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Threatened Species Conservancy (TSC) – Project leadership and delivery
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BirdLife Australia – Technical guidance and data integration
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Conservation Ecology Centre / Wildlife Wonders – Community engagement and education
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Southern Otway Landcare Network (SOLN) – Volunteer mobilisation and landholder connections
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Parks Victoria & Colac Otway Shire – Land and program support
Conservation Status
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Rufous Bristlebird (Otways subspecies): Declining; high priority under regional and national strategies
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Additional Otway threatened birds to benefit: Hooded Plover, Australian Bittern, Striated Fieldwren, Pink Robin
Costs
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Estimated Cost: $29,500
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Funding Received: $0
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Duration: 2 year
