ReBird the Ranges
ReBird the Ranges is an alliance of 20 partner organisations with the mission to reverse bird species declines and prevent further regional extinctions in the Mount Lofty Ranges (MLR). This initiative combines conservation, habitat restoration, and community involvement to restore native bird populations across the region.
The MLR is known for its diversity of birds – admired by locals and visitors alike. These birds once inhabited extensive native forest, woodland and shrublands in the MLR. Today, 87% of these habitats have been cleared for agriculture, industry, and housing. As a result, the MLR has one of the highest concentrations of bird species loss and decline in Australia. More specifically, 12 bird species have become extinct, and another 78 bird species are declining towards extinction.
ReBird the Ranges Projects in our Region
The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board proudly supports a range of ReBird the Ranges projects, aimed at restoring woodland habitats and supporting bird populations across the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Frahn Farm Woodland Reconstruction Project
Undertaken by BioR in Monarto, this large-scale restoration project includes the removal of weed and chemical contaminated soil, enclosing 160 ha of plantings within a kangaroo-proof fence, and annual six-day community planting festivals.
With the help of volunteers, tens of thousands of native grasses, herbs, climbers, shrubs and trees are planted each year to help create habitat for woodland birds. Since 2015, 75 ha have been revegetated.
Kanmantoo Grassy Woodland Revegetation Nature Project
This project aims to revegetate 161 hectares of open grassy peppermint box and drooping sheoak woodlands on private land. Undertaken by Second Nature Conservancy, over 2,000 seedlings of threatened flora species will be planted and protected, bolstering their local populations, reconnecting remnant native vegetation, and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Mount Lofty Ranges Paddock Tree Project
Trees For Life is leading this initiative to establish the next generation of eucalypts, sheoaks, acacias, and native pines on grazing properties on the eastern slopes of the ranges. These trees protected by stock-proof guards provide scattered habitat and ecological stepping stones for birds. Between 2016 and 2022, more than 28,000 were planted on 125 properties, covering over 13,000 ha of grazing land.
MLR region map
The MLR, as defined by the alliance, includes the eastern slopes and Murray Plains from Callington to the Murray River and Palmer to Lake Alexandrina.
ReBird the Ranges 75-year vision
- Restore 30% of each habitat type in the Mount Lofty Ranges
- Increase community awareness, volunteering, investment and nature financing
- Increase landholders, First Nations people and communities actively managing native vegetation
- Decrease the amount and area of native vegetation cleared each year
- Actively manage 60,000 ha of closed woodland and heathland and 127,000 ha of grassy woodland and grassland to provide functional habitat for birds
- Reconstruct 120,000 ha of grassy woodlands and grasslands and 14,000 ha of heathland to provide functional habitat for birds
- Monitoring response in birds, evaluating activities against goals, building knowledge through research, and sharing learnings widely
- Reverse the declines in 78 species, including the diamond firetail, hooded robin, restless flycatcher, jacky winter, southern whiteface, chestnut-rumped thornbill, and the brown treecreeper.
To find out more, visit ReBird the Ranges webpage or register for their newsletter. Read the ReBird the Ranges – Action Plan.
If you are interested in learning more about how you can help with this work, please contact us.
ReBird the Ranges alliance partners:
