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In a groundbreaking discovery that could reshape conservation strategies for one of Australia’s most endangered birds, researchers have uncovered a population of more than 250 plains-wanderers (Pedionomus torquatus) thriving in habitat nobody expected the species to use.
The Plains-wanderer, often dubbed the “Goldilocks bird” for its highly specific habitat needs, is usually associated with native grasslands in Victoria and New South Wales. But new research conducted by researchers at the University of Adelaide in collaboration with Bush Heritage Australia has found 272 Plains-wanderers living in semi-arid rangeland at Boolcoomatta Station Reserve, located on Adnyamathanha and Wilyakali Country, 100km west of Broken Hill in South Australia.
“It was a surprise to find one Plains-wanderer, let alone 272,” said lead researcher Saskia Gerhardy.
“South Australia has historically been considered marginal habitat for the species, with less than 90 recorded sightings over the past 100 years before we began this project.”
Using miniature GPS backpacks and very high frequency (VHF) tracking devices, researchers tracked and monitored the Plains-wanderer population at Boolcoomatta Reserve for a month.
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Aerial photograph of grass and saltbush plains at Boolcoomatta. Photo by Glen Norris
“The mini backpacks are lightweight and designed to sit comfortably between the birds’ wings, almost like a little hiking pack,” explained Saskia.
“This allowed us to follow their movements across the landscape without disturbing their natural behaviour. What we found really surprised us and challenges decades of ecological assumptions.”
Plains-wanderers are known to be an extremely picky grassland specialist, but the newly available data revealed that the birds were selecting low, open shrublands dominated by low-growing and prickly Sclerolaena. The findings are significant – they suggest that the species lives in a broader range of habitats than previously thought. This in turn opens up new possibilities for conservation in areas, like SA’s arid interior, that were previously considered unsuitable.
Standing about 12-15 cm tall and weighing 40 to 95 grams, Plains-wanderers are small fawn-coloured birds with dappled feathers. Females are larger than the males and sport a distinctive white-spotted black collar around the neck, and a reddish brown chest.
They’re often called a “living fossil” because their closest relatives died out long ago and the species’ evolution is thought to trace back 60 million years ago to when Australia was connected to South America and Antarctica. Plains-wanderers are so unique that in 2018 the Zoological Society of London put it on top of its “evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered” bird list.
Graeme Finlayson is the Healthy Landscapes Manager for the SA Arid Rangelands at Bush Heritage Australia and said this is an exciting win in the fight against biodiversity loss.
“Bush Heritage began managing Boolcoomatta as a conservation reserve in 2006. Before this research project commenced, we were only detecting Plains-wanderer on the property in ones and twos, so this is a game changer in terms of how we think about the concept of a ‘core range’ for this species and the likely importance of the Reserve for Plains-wanderer conservation efforts,” he said.
“Back in 2019, I spotted three Plains-wanderers on Boolcoomatta whilst out collecting data related to our monitoring of the species, and at the time we really hoped it was a breeding pair. To think that now, just a few short years later, we have found more than 250 Plains-wanderers on the Reserve is just incredible,” he reflected.
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Saskia Gerhardy with a female Plains wanderer
Peripheral populations like the one at Boolcoomatta Reserve may hold the key to species resilience in the face of the ongoing threats posed by climate change and habitat loss. The team is now conducting genetic analyses and modelling to better understand the population’s origins and potential connections to core habitats.
“It’s a reminder that even when things are looking very dire for a species we have to stay optimistic, because sometimes hope – and 272 Plains-wanderers – can be found in the most unexpected places,” concludes Saskia.
About Bush Heritage
Bush Heritage Australia is a leading not-for-profit conservation organisation that protects ecosystems and wildlife across the continent. We use the best science, conservation and right-way knowledge to deliver landscape-scale impact. We’re on the ground, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the agricultural sector to make sure our impact is deep, sustainable and collaborative.
