Plains Wanderer: Revisiting the Baseline

Gathering information on the distribution of the critically endangered Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is the focus of this new project, to be undertaken in partnership with Bush Heritage Australia and Birdlife Australia.

A small ground-dwelling bird similar in appearance to a quail, the Plains-wanderer grows to 20cm and weights just 95g. Unlike most bird species, the female is the larger bird and can be distinguished from males by her black and white speckled collar and red-buff spot on the upper breast.

It is known to live in the grasslands of south-eastern Australia and was once widespread through the lowland native grasslands of coastal and sub-coastal eastern Australia. Until recently, there were less than 100 officially documented Plains-wanderer records in South Australia, however recent research suggests larger populations may exist further across the state.

The two-year project will help track the species' trajectory in South Australia and address its conservation needs. Many ideal habitat locations across the SA Arid Lands region will be targeted for monitoring, using a variety of techniques that include the use of acoustic song meters.

Using Citizen Science methods, the local community, land managers, station staff and tourists will be encouraged to report sightings or anecdotal records of Plains-wanderers that will provide information on distribution.

The project is funded by the Saving Native Species program from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.