Pullen Pullen Reserve in central-west Queensland protects one of the world's most important populations of the critically endangered Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis). Over the past decade, Bush Heritage, Maiawali Traditional Custodians and research partners have controlled feral predators and used long-term monitoring to improve understanding of the species and support its recovery.

Ten years ago, Bush Heritage supporters shared in our vision to protect Pullen Pullen Reserve – a remote arid landscape in central-west Queensland and home to some of Earth’s most cryptic wildlife, including at least 10 known threatened species.

Since acquisition, we’ve strengthened our relationships with Traditional Custodians, enhanced biodiversity through research-backed land management, supported changes in legislation to provide higher protection for nature on private land, and developed a robust recovery program for the critically endangered Night Parrot (Pezoporus occidentalis).

But all of this, nearly wasn’t the case. Robert Murphy, Executive Manager of Conservation Operations for Bush Heritage, remembers the challenges of acquiring the reserve.

Night Parrots were then considered by many to be extinct, but here was a population that was surviving and desperately needed our help.

Due to their rarity, there was little information about their habitat or food requirements. We weren’t even sure of the exact number of individuals present. What we were certain of was that this species was on the brink and needed urgent protection.

With our supporters, we made the courageous choice to acquire this special land and protect the species – a choice that has allowed one of the only remaining populations of Night Parrots to thrive.

Night Parrot research

Scientific research has been central to understanding and guiding our conservation at Pullen Pullen, one of the most intensively studied outback landscapes in Australia.

For the Night Parrot, which went undetected for more than 100 years, we’ve been able to fill knowledge gaps and advance our scientific understanding of the species.

Alongside partners, we’ve collected more than 500,000 hours of audio data, capturing the calls of Night Parrots and enabling detailed analyses of their presence and behaviour.

“This has been the main source of data on population trends since the birds were discovered, and the trends have been encouraging,” says ecologist Dr Nick Leseberg.

“Over the first couple of years we detected only a couple of roost sites and a handful of individuals. We now know of five or six roost sites, and the population seems to be growing.”

Beyond the Night Parrot, the reserve supports a rich tapestry of wildlife, with 212 native vertebrates and 154 plant species confirmed to date. It is also a destination for researchers studying other threatened species, including the critically endangered Plains Wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus).

Overlooking 'Jump-up' country of Pullen Pullen Night Parrot Reserve.

Early on-ground actions at Pullen Pullen focused on removing pressures that once degraded the landscape, encouraging nature to bounce back. Destocking, exclusion efforts, restoration and introduced species control all helped to transform the pastoral property into a sanctuary for native plants and animals.

Managing feral cats

Some of Nick’s early research suggested that cats were likely to be one of the greatest threats to Night Parrots.

“Most of the early nests we discovered failed soon after the young fledged and we suspected this was due to predation by cats.”

– Nick Leseberg, Bush Heritage Ecologist

“Immediately after they leave the nest, the young birds spend much of the night on the ground, noisily begging for food from their parents,” says Nick. “We think this is when they’re most vulnerable.”

Cats have been systematically targeted using a range of control techniques. We're developing new trapping technologies to improve our management of this threat, set to be trialled at the reserve this year.

Partnering with Traditional Custodians

We are deeply grateful for our enduring partnership with the Maiawali Traditional Custodians of the land. Walking side by side, we continue to work closely with Maiawali to strengthen cultural connection to Country and ensure that Traditional Knowledge and their aspirations shape the reserve’s management.

Over the years, Maiawali perspectives have helped inform land management decisions, and facilitated cultural research, enriching our understanding of the cultural values and significant sites embedded in the landscape. Together, we will continue to nurture a shared vision for looking after Country.

“The past 10 years of partnership with Bush Heritage have been incredibly rewarding and meaningful,” reflects Maiawali Traditional Custodian Tammy Meers. “We truly value working alongside the team in our shared commitment to preserving the Night Parrot – something that holds deep importance for our family.”

A Special Wildlife Reserve

In 2020, Pullen Pullen was the first parcel of private land managed for conservation to secure ‘Special Wildlife Reserve’ status under Queensland legislation, and the first time this level of protection had been conferred in the state.

In recognition of the place’s extraordinary ecological and cultural value, and importance to a species on the brink of extinction, it provided the reserve with National Park level protection.

This ensured long-term security for Pullen Pullen’s unique flora and fauna while demonstrating what is possible for other jurisdictions, private landholders and conservation organisations across Australia.

After 10 years at Pullen Pullen, it’s clear the landscape will continue to play a vital role in conserving Australia’s outback biodiversity.

Yet the work is far from over. The threats that push species such as the Night Parrot to the brink still loom. Ongoing support from our supporters, volunteers, researchers, and the broader community will be essential to maintain momentum, deepen our scientific understanding, and ensure that Pullen Pullen remains a sanctuary for future generations.