The bush stone-curlews are fitted with tiny GPS backpacks. Photos: Phillip Island Nature Parks
By Lisa Gilbert
FOURTEEN bush stone-curlews were released into the wild on Phillip Island (Milawul) this week in the latest phase of a re-introduction program for a species that’s critically endangered in Victoria.
They joined the birds already in the wild with the hope they will breed and increase genetic diversity in the population. The goal is to eventually have a self-sustaining and robust population.
FOURTEEN bush stone-curlews were released into the wild on Phillip Island (Milawul) this week in the latest phase of a re-introduction program for a species that’s critically endangered in Victoria.
They joined the birds already in the wild with the hope they will breed and increase genetic diversity in the population. The goal is to eventually have a self-sustaining and robust population.
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Since 2024 Phillip Island Nature Parks has released a total of 45 bush stone-curlews, in several groups.
Phillip Island Nature Parks Senior Scientist Dr Duncan Sutherland said the reintroduction program was a great example of conservation made possible through collaboration. “With the first wild releases we have determined that bush stone-curlews can survive on Phillip Island,” he said. “Now we are introducing birds from all around Australia, to encourage more breeding and a diverse genetic population, which will give the birds the best chance of success in a changing environment." |
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Dr Sutherland said the birds started breeding earlier this year, with three wild chicks hatched. While they did not survive to fledge, it shows the population is starting to settle in and is comfortable to start reproducing.
“We have seen some promising signs and anticipate more breeding attempted later this year, with the hope that some of the chicks survive to fledge and begin to establish a self-sustaining wild population on Milawul.”
“We hope this program improves the long-term viability of curlews right across south-eastern Australia.
“We have seen some promising signs and anticipate more breeding attempted later this year, with the hope that some of the chicks survive to fledge and begin to establish a self-sustaining wild population on Milawul.”
“We hope this program improves the long-term viability of curlews right across south-eastern Australia.
The population’s progress has been monitored using a combination of tiny GPS backpacks worn by the birds, remote camera surveillance and ground surveys by researchers and volunteers.
Monitoring thus far has shown that the primary cause of mortality for bush stone-curlews on the island is being hit by cars with the birds especially vulnerable as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Previously all the released birds had their wings clipped so they would stay close to the release zone rather than disperse away from the island, a strategy that increases their survival rate when there are no resident birds. In the latest release only half the birds will have their wings clipped, with researchers investigating whether this assists the birds to avoid cars.
Monitoring thus far has shown that the primary cause of mortality for bush stone-curlews on the island is being hit by cars with the birds especially vulnerable as they adjust to their new surroundings.
Previously all the released birds had their wings clipped so they would stay close to the release zone rather than disperse away from the island, a strategy that increases their survival rate when there are no resident birds. In the latest release only half the birds will have their wings clipped, with researchers investigating whether this assists the birds to avoid cars.
Paula Wasiak, PhD Student at ANU, and Dr Duncan Sutherland carry the curlews to their release site.
The birds released this week were captive birds from Phillip Island that have been sourced from around Australia, including Alice Springs Desert Park, Australian Reptile Park, Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, Caversham Wildlife Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Oakvale Wildlife Park.
The re-introduction of the species is a collaboration between Phillip Island Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and The Australian National University, with support from the Penguin Foundation.
Visitors to Phillip Island can see bush-stone curlews at the Koala Conservation Reserve and learn more about the reintroduction trial from a passionate team of 17 Curlew Custodian volunteers who assist with food preparation, observations, health checks and educating visitors.
The re-introduction of the species is a collaboration between Phillip Island Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and The Australian National University, with support from the Penguin Foundation.
Visitors to Phillip Island can see bush-stone curlews at the Koala Conservation Reserve and learn more about the reintroduction trial from a passionate team of 17 Curlew Custodian volunteers who assist with food preparation, observations, health checks and educating visitors.
