Bush stone-curlew reintroduction
Phillip Island Nature Parks has been working closely with our partners, Odonata and Australian National University, in the recovery of bush stone-curlews across south-eastern Australia. The overall objective of this collaboration is to reintroduce and increase wild bush stone-curlew numbers, monitor their recovery and secure their long-term future. One of the locations selected is Phillip Island, a site that this species once called home, before becoming extinct due to foxes.
An agreement with Odonata Foundation will aim to set out a framework and major areas of focus for cooperation including the recovery plan for the bush stone-curlew, the SEASON program, co-management of wildlife populations, potential joint funding bids and potential co-management of new sites. You can find out more about the Odonata Foundation here.
Our role:
In 2019, Phillip Island Nature Parks launched a 30-Year Conservation Vision - Beyond the Horizon which recognises the unparalleled opportunity for the organisation to contribute to significant conservation milestones for Victoria through rewilding and protecting threatened species of flora and fauna. Stemming from this is a Threatened Species Plan, which was developed in consultation with key stakeholders representing a diverse range of parties involved in living with and managing threatened species on Philip Island.
This plan looked at current vulnerable species, as well as recovering threatened fauna that were once found on Phillip Island, of which the bush stone-curlew has been recognised as a priority species.
It is important to note that:
- The program will contribute to the overall recovery of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia through collaborative partnerships with Odonata and ANU.
- It’s a part of the Nature Parks commitment to recover biodiversity on Phillip Island through implementation of the Threatened Species Plan.
The primary outcome is to successfully establish a self-sustaining population of bush stone-curlews to restore ecological function on Phillip Island. - It’s a long-term program and is expected to take a long time to see results.
- This species is difficult to recover. We expect setbacks and challenges along the way, it may not succeed.
- The program cannot succeed without the community’s support and involvement.
Returning the bush stone-curlew to Phillip Island (Millowl)
In 2019, Phillip Island Nature Parks launched a 30-Year Conservation Vision - Beyond the Horizon which recognises the unparalleled opportunity for the organisation to contribute to significant conservation milestones for Victoria through rewilding and protecting threatened species of flora and fauna. Stemming from this is a Threatened Species Plan, which was developed through a structured decision-making process in consultation with a diverse range of key stakeholders involved in living with and managing threatened species on Phillip Island.
This plan looked at current vulnerable species, as well as recovering threatened fauna that were once found on Phillip Island (Millowl). The bush stone-curlew was recognised as a priority species. The species was selected as a great candidate for reintroduction to Phillip Island (Millowl) because it would positively benefit the ecosystem and would not pose any threat to stakeholders.
Collaborative efforts to save this species in south-eastern Australia
This project is a long-term commitment to the recovery of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia. It is ambitious and we anticipate challenges along the way. It brings together a collaboration of organisations including Odonata Foundation and the Australian National University (ANU). To foster this collaboration, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Nature Parks and Odonata in June 2023. The primary aim is to successfully establish a sustainable, free-living and genetically diverse population of bush stone-curlews, their presence will have an important ecological function on Phillip Island. Success will generate real benefits for their conservation across south-eastern Australia.
Location
Phillip Island (Millowl) is part of the bush stone-curlew’s indigenous home range and there are areas on the island with broadly suitable and intact habitat for the species. The removal of red foxes, alongside a strong history of robust conservation governance, management and research means this location can act as a stronghold for the species.
Timeline
How:
- The aim is to translocate up to 60 birds over three years dependent on the success of various breeding programs and availability of birds.
- A range of approvals is required including endorsement of an expert government panel (Translocation Evaluation Panel), an animal ethics committee approval and a state government permit.
These approvals consider the conservation value of the project, a comprehensive range of risks, the project’s feasibility, animal welfare impacts and stakeholder support. This included overseeing and approving a genetic study, collaborative agreement with Odonata, and evaluating the best approach for the reintroduction of the species. - A feasibility study was undertaken and has recommended that adult birds from the Mt Rothwell captive colony be selected for the relocation, following a 12-month pre-conditioning period.
- The reintroduction of the species will use strategies and tactics across several stages including pilot studies, and primary, secondary, and tertiary releases and will be supported by ongoing monitoring, post release evaluation, further research, health checks, and population census.
- Some of the tactics being used include release of limited numbers, drip-feed release, constrained release areas, feather sampling, bird bands, wing-clipping, songmeters, and GPS-backpacks.
About
The bush stone-curlew is a ground dwelling, nocturnal bird with prominent yellow eyes that are ideal for nighttime hunting. It has grey-brown colouring on its upper region with a white belly and black streaks throughout. Its long legs give it height and fast mobility to observe and avoid predators. The bush stone-curlew is well known for its haunting call, which has been described as a high-pitched wail. Found throughout most of Australia, numbers have drastically reduced in south-eastern regions since European settlement, their status is now Critically Endangered in Victoria.
The Koala Conservation Reserve is currently home to bush stone-curlews housed in two large aviaries where visitors can see and learn about the species and their proposed recovery on Millowl. These birds have produced a couple of chicks, which will feed into the program to recover the species in the wild.
Download bush stone-curlew infographic here.
Get Involved
Phillip Island Nature Parks have made a long-term commitment to the project, and it will contribute to the overall recovery of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia. You can get involved with this program by: