Committed to the long game: rebirding the Mount Lofty Ranges by 2100
Woodland birds of the Mt Lofty Ranges are in decline – some are facing imminent extinction
The Mount Lofty Ranges has some of the highest bird extinction rates and concentrations of threatened bird species in Australia. The region has faced severe habitat loss over the years, with around 90% of original woodland bird habitat cleared by 1980. Today, the populations of 78 species of woodland birds in the Mount Lofty Ranges are in decline, with some facing a risk of imminent extinction.
What is being done?
ReBird the Ranges is bringing together skilled practitioners with researchers and community members to restore critical habitats for birds and other wildlife.
The aim is to reverse decades of habitat loss and ensure a sustainable future for the region’s ecosystems.
A detailed action plan includes an ambitious target: to restore cover to 30% of each native vegetation community across the Mount Lofty Ranges.
Habitat gains need to increase 6-fold per year to make a real difference
Despite an already committed community, the challenge lies in significantly scaling up efforts. While the work of every bush-carer, tree-planter and revegetation specialist across the Mount Lofty Ranges should be celebrated, habitat gains need to increase
6-fold per year to achieve the 30% target by 2100.
Success relies on collaboration, continually improving techniques, and a host of new supporters deeply committed to ReBird the Ranges.
Everyone can help
Landscapes Hills and Fleurieu, Green Adelaide, Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board and Northern and Yorke Landscape Board, are proud partners of ReBird the Ranges.
The community is encouraged to take an active role in achieving these goals. Whether through hands-on habitat restoration, supporting conservation projects, or contributing funding, everyone can help protect our Mount Lofty Ranges woodland birds and the habitats they depend on. Find out more at rebirdtheranges.org.
ReBird the Ranges will focus on 4 key goals:
- create a groundswell of community support
- protect existing habitats and manage threats
- reconstruct more habitat through revegetation
- research, monitor and adapt plans to improve bird recovery initiatives.
While birds are the focus of this initiative, their protection is key to the health and balance of the entire ecosystem. By restoring habitats, ReBird the Ranges is working toward a healthy and resilient Mount Lofty Ranges.
Critically endangered or threatened birds of the Mount Lofty Ranges
More information
To access the action plan or learn more about ReBird the Ranges, visit rebirdtheranges.org.
Other partner organisations include Trees for Life, Second Nature Conservancy, Bio-R, Conservation Volunteers Australia, Nature Conservation Society of South Australia, Greening Australia, Birds SA, Birdlife Australia, Nature Foundation, National Parks and Wildlife Service, local councils, Forestry SA, SA Water, the University of Adelaide and the Government of South Australia.
The South Australian Government has supported the development of the ReBird the Ranges action plan and restoration of critical habitat for threatened birds through the Landscape Priorities Fund and State Government investment of $1.8m.
