Rare Sighting of Plains-Wanderer in Australia After 30 Years
After more than three decades, the critically endangered Plains-wanderer has been spotted in Australia, specifically west of Melbourne. This remarkable discovery was made by Zoos Victoria, reigniting hope for the survival of this unique bird species.
Rediscovery of the Plains-Wanderer
The Plains-wanderer, a bird that belongs to the Pedionomidae family, holds a special place in the avian world as the sole member of its family. This makes its rediscovery after such a long absence all the more significant. Tim Dolby, a seasoned birdwatching guide, highlighted the importance of this find, emphasizing that international birdwatchers often seek out every unique family of birds, which includes the Plains-wanderer.
Loss of native grasslands poses a severe threat to the Plains-wanderer’s survival. The delicate balance of grass cover required by these birds makes their habitat particularly vulnerable to human interference. Zoos Victoria explained that if the grasslands become too thick or too sparse, the Plains-wanderers will abandon the site, underscoring the critical need for habitat preservation.
The use of cutting-edge technology, such as “song meters” equipped with audio recorders, played a pivotal role in identifying the Plains-wanderers’ presence. By analyzing thousands of hours of recording data, Zoos Victoria detected the distinct “ooming” call of the female Plains-wanderer in two specific sites. This breakthrough was akin to finding gold, according to Chris Hartnett, species program coordinator at Zoos Victoria, who expressed the importance of collaborating with land managers and owners to safeguard this rare species.
Plains-Wanderers: An Iconic Species
The Plains-wanderer has earned its place as an iconic species in New South Wales (NSW), joining the ranks of other beloved animals like the koala and the Southern Corroboree frog. In 2016, the NSW government allocated significant resources to protect the Plains-wanderer under the Saving our Species program, recognizing the urgent need to halt their decline and prevent their extinction.
Describing the Plains-wanderer as a beautiful bird, Zoos Victoria highlighted its distinctive brown and buff coloring with white and blackish markings, including intricate spots and streaks on the head and neck. These birds have a penchant for short, sparse grasslands that offer ample cover for foraging. Once widespread across several Australian states, the Plains-wanderer has faced a sharp decline in recent years, with its population dwindling to as few as 250 individuals.
The unique behaviors of Plains-wanderers further add to their charm and intrigue. Females, larger and more colorful than males, take charge of defending their territory, while males dutifully guard the eggs. Hartnett shared amusing anecdotes about the courtship rituals of these birds, describing how females mimic jet planes with their wings while chasing males in a playful display of courtship.
Plains-wanderers have very specific habitat requirements, favoring tufts of grass on raised mounds devoid of trees and interspersed with bare soil. This selective nature has earned them the nickname of a “goldilocks species,” with a preference for grasslands that are just right—not too dense, not too sparse.
With the recent sightings of Plains-wanderers on both public and private lands, researchers are eager to continue their search for more of these elusive birds. Hartnett encouraged anyone who believes they may have spotted a Plains-wanderer to come forward, as every sighting contributes to the conservation efforts aimed at protecting this endangered species.
In conclusion, the rediscovery of the Plains-wanderer after a prolonged absence serves as a beacon of hope for the conservation of this unique bird species. By leveraging technology, collaboration, and public engagement, conservationists are working tirelessly to ensure the survival of the Plains-wanderer and preserve the rich biodiversity of Australia’s grasslands.
