We have some wonderful news to share from the Gawler Ranges Safer Haven, and we think these two little arrivals might just make your week.
During National Bird Week (19–23 October), the Bounceback team, together with local and volunteer rangers, were out conducting their annual Malleefowl surveys when they came across a particularly exciting sight…two newly hatched Malleefowl chicks!
And these weren't the only reasons to celebrate.
Across the Gawler Ranges Safer Haven, the team surveyed 55 nesting mounds and discovered 13 active mounds currently incubating Malleefowl eggs. That's a fantastic result compared with last year, when nine active mounds were recorded from 91 surveyed.
The team also spotted an adult Malleefowl busily tending to its mound, another encouraging sign of breeding activity across the landscape.
For a threatened species facing ongoing pressure from introduced predators, particularly European Foxes, these discoveries are especially welcome. The results highlight the importance of sustained conservation efforts, including broadscale feral animal control across the Gawler Ranges Safer Haven. Fox control has been undertaken in all areas where active Malleefowl mounds were detected, helping to reduce the threats faced by these remarkable birds.
Photo: Malleefowl survey team in the Gawler Ranges. (Courtesy: DEW)
Video: Join Tali as she shares the news of her sighting. (Courtesy: DEW)
While there's still plenty of work ahead, it's moments like these that remind us why protecting threatened species and their habitats matters so much.
This work forms part of FAME's Three Safer Havens program, delivered in partnership with South Australia's Department for Environment and Water, supporting threatened species recovery across the Flinders, Gawler and Olary regions.
For more on the project visit the project page on our website.
Follow our cause in saving Australia's endangered wildlife, and receive newsletter updates on our latest projects and successes.
