More bush stone curlew birds to be released after successful trial

A landmark program reintroducing the critically endangered bush stone-curlew to the wild on Phillip Island (Milawul) will be expanded after conservationists recorded one of the highest survival rates in a trial release of this species. Phillip Island Nature Parks released 12 bush stone-curlews from captivity at Mount Rothwell in August last year, fitting them with tiny GPS-tracking backpacks and identification bands so researchers could monitor their survival, habitat use, movement patterns and body condition. The project team is set to release about 24 more birds in April, in the hope the birds will establish a sustainable population on the island, casting a lifeline to the species in Victoria. Project leader Dr Duncan Sutherland, Senior Scientist at Phillip Island Nature Parks, said the trial had been a great success with a phenomenal 75% survival rate – one of the best outcomes for this stage of any reintroduction of the species. “The six-month post-release health checks showed the birds are in good condition, an indication they have settled into their new environment successfully,” Dr Sutherland said. “The birds are starting to regrow their flight feathers, and while they still can't fly great distances or at height, once the feathers fully grow in and they get a bit of practice, we may start seeing them fly up to several kilometres each night making their way to their foraging grounds. “The first stage of the project was to determine if bush stone-curlews could survive on Phillip Island. Now that we know they can, the time is right to release a larger cohort with the aim to establish a self-sustaining population while at the same time test alternative strategies to maximise success.” The next release timing has been chosen to coincide with the ideal seasonal conditions and allow the new birds to integrate with the previously released birds with experience surviving in the island environment. The bush stone-curlew is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal bird with long legs, known for its resounding call. Phillip Island once supported a wild population of bush stone curlews, however, there have been no records of them since the 1970s. Birds released in the next cohort will initially have their wings clipped to help secure them in good habitat and improve survival rates, but it means they will not be able to fly until they moult and grow new feathers next year. Residents in Sunderland Bay, Surf Beach, Sunset Strip, Silverleaves and Rhyll are encouraged to be vigilant as the birds are expected to move along pathways and roads as they establish their home ranges. Researchers will continue to monitor the birds’ movements with GPS trackers, undertake field health checks, and record their activities with acoustic recorders and remote cameras to reveal the threats to birds and their long-term recovery. Meanwhile the Nature Parks will erect new road signs featuring the bush stone-curlew, urging people to slow down for wildlife on our roads. The study is a collaboration between the Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and The Australian National University to improve the long-term viability of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia. Dr Sutherland said the community can play an important role in the success of the program. You can help by slowing down when driving, particularly while it is darker when the birds are most active, and reporting any sightings on the Victorian bush stone-curlew project at www.inaturalist.org or by emailing community@penguins.org.au Please keep dogs on-leash and cats indoors, and leave fallen logs on the ground as they provide essential habitat for the birds. Donations to support the bush stone-curlew reintroduction on Phillip Island can be made at penguinfoundation.org.au