Volunteers Needed for This Season’s Malleefowl Monitoring
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is calling for volunteers to help monitor one of the region’s most elusive birds – the nationally threatened malleefowl.
The landscape board has been part of the National Malleefowl Program for more than 30 years, with more monitoring sites than any other region in Australia.
Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board’s Senior Ecologist, Craig Gillespie says because malleefowl can cover a vast area of mallee scrub, volunteers are vital for the monitoring programs success.
“Volunteers are the backbone of this program. Their dedication means we can track how the malleefowl are faring in our region and contribute to national research that is helping to shape the future of malleefowl conservation” he said.
The data gathered by volunteers has already contributed to long-term studies that assess the impact of various environmental factors, such as climate, habitat condition, and predation, on malleefowl breeding success.
“Every mound volunteers check, every bit of data collected, is a valuable piece of the puzzle. It’s a rare chance to play a hands-on role in protecting one of Australia’s most iconic ground-dwelling birds,” said Craig.
No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to work outdoors, and an interest in wildlife conservation. Training and guidance will be provided, and surveys are conducted in pairs or small groups.
Malleefowl monitoring for this season will take place from mid-October until December at sites nearby to Murray Bridge, through the Murray Mallee to Lameroo and north to the Riverland and beyond.
To register your interest or find out more, go to flow.landscape.sa.gov.au/malleefowl-monitoring or contact Chris Fulton on 0437 518 797.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
