Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Swamps the key to Emu-wren's survival
With only 600 to 700 birds in existence worldwide, a recovery program to protect the swamp habitat of South Australia's Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren is of critical importance.
The Emu-wren is a small, shy bird recognisable by its long, stick-like tail featuring six feathers resembling those of an emu. The few remaining birds in existence are confined to small swamps and dry heath vegetation on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
Funding
A concerted recovery effort aims to halt the loss of these beautiful birds. Coordinated by the Conservation Council of SA, the project is supported with $50,000 in funding from the Australian Government, plus support from the State Government and assistance from the SA Murray Darling Basin and Adelaide & Mount Lofty Ranges regional Natural Resource Management Boards.
Activities and achievements
Tim Vale from the Conservation Council of SA said the recovery program began in 1993 when an extensive survey found the species was severely threatened.
"Much of the Emu-wren's swamp habitat was found on private land and many were vulnerable to damage from grazing stock, low plant cover, fires and hunting by snakes. This habitat loss caused another threat to their survival - inbreeding in colonies," he said.
"Existing colonies are isolated from each other and when new chicks mature they're unable to travel the distances between them.
"Excuse the pun, but we want to avoid having all of our eggs in one basket. We want to spread the colonies out and create linking habitat and corridors between them.
Activities and achievements
"We're working with local landholders to protect swamp habitat on their properties through activities like fencing and weed control, particularly for blackberry. We're also growing local native species for planting to help create the habitat links.
"Since the project began we've benefited from the involvement of over 80 landholders. In the last year alone we've helped 35 landholders with management plans as well as practical work to protect 200 hectares of swamp habitat. Considering there are only 2000 hectares in total, this is a considerable effort."
Tim said the biggest obstacle was lack of awareness about the importance of swamps, and convincing people swamps were valuable wetland ecosystems.
"But long-term participants are now spreading the word and together we're creating a groundswell of support for the work we're doing. It's a win-win situation for both the Emu-wren and local landholders," he said.
More information
- Tim Vale, Conservation Council of SA: (08) 8536 4042 or tim.vale@ccsa.asn.au
- Conservation Council of SA
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window