Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), one of Australia’s iconic ground-dwelling birds, have experienced a significant decline nationwide over the past two decades. The Gawler Ranges National Park (GRNP) and adjacent conservation reserves represent one of the few remaining strongholds for Malleefowl in South Australia. Extensive efforts are underway to reverse this trend and secure a future for this remarkable species.
Rebuilding Malleefowl Populations
in the Gawler Ranges National Park (GRNP)
EPBC:
VulnerableIUCN:
VulnerableThreats:
Project Location:
Gawler Ranges National Park (GRNP), SA
The Project
Malleefowl are an amazing species, born with a work ethic that puts the Germans and Japanese to shame, they toil tirelessly for 10 months a year to build and maintain their giant (5m diameter) temperature regulated nesting mounds. All through the summer they shift over a tonne of soil a day. As a large ground-dwelling bird, they serve as a sensitive indicator species, reflecting the overall health of their habitat.
Project goals
Monitor Malleefowl recovery: Assess the effectiveness of predator control measures by tracking Malleefowl population trends through annual nest surveys and camera monitoring.
Evaluate predator management: Measure the impact of integrated fox and cat management strategies on Malleefowl nesting success and survival rates.
Support ecosystem restoration: Enhance the resilience of the Gawler Ranges ecosystem by reducing predation pressures on Malleefowl and other vulnerable species.
Significance
The Malleefowl’s survival is threatened by human land use and climate change influenced habitat loss as well as predation of their chicks by invasive carnivores such as foxes and cats. Protecting and rebuilding Malleefowl populations is essential for the long-term survival of a uniquely Australian character of out mallee fauna.
Malleefowl Mounds
The Malleefowl is a remarkable bird known for its unique nesting habits, which showcase nature’s ingenuity. Each year, a male Malleefowl meticulously constructs a large mound nest using soil, sand, and leaf litter. This mound acts as a natural incubator, using the heat generated by decomposing organic material to maintain a consistent temperature for the eggs. The male adjusts the mound’s insulation by adding or removing material to regulate the heat, ensuring optimal conditions for incubation. Utilising decaying plant matter generates warmth, enabling the eggs to develop without the need for constant parental warmth. Once the chicks hatch, the decomposed material enriches the surrounding soil with nutrients, benefiting the local ecosystem. This process not only supports the next generation of Malleefowl but also contributes to soil health and plant growth in the arid environments where these birds live, enhancing biodiversity of the landscape.
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