Watchalunga Nature Reserve provides critical habitat for key threatened species including the nationally endangered Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren (Maluchurus stipiturus intermedius). This tiny bird, weighing in at only 7 grams, is rather secretive, flitting quietly between dense vegetation. They are very difficult to spot, which is why we engage an ornithologist with experience surveying this species. If you are fortunate enough to see one perching on a Lignum bush or Samphire, their long filamentous tail or the beautiful sky-blue throat of the males, differentiates them from the more common Blue Wren species.
Nature Foundation actively manages Watchalunga year-round to conserve the small population of Emu-wrens through creating habitat and managing threats. This could not be achieved without the dedicated support from Goolwa to Wellington Local Action Planning Association (GWLAP), who carry out the on-ground management such as weed control and revegetation plantings.
Each year, an experienced ornithologist is engaged to undertake Emu-wren surveys at Watchalunga during pre-breeding and breeding seasons, as part of a long-term monitoring program. This program was established in 2018 to track which habitat the birds were using, which in turn informs management strategies such as revegetation across the reserve.
To gain a better understanding of population dynamics in the local area, and to identify opportunities for habitat connectivity, Nature Foundation is also undertaking Emu-wren surveys on properties near Watchalunga.
The first survey has been undertaken on a property along the Tookayerta Creek with a second survey on a property next to Watchalunga planned for late winter, hopefully accompanied by some revegetation activities.
This activity has been generously supported by funding from the WIRES National Grants Program and the Disney Conservation Fund. Watch this space to learn what we discover and how you may be able to get involved!
We have also established the Watchalunga biosphere project, which not only focuses on establishing a habitat corridor for the species at Watchalunga, but will inspire and mobilise local communities to protect and restore habitat within the lower Finniss and Tookayerta catchments. We will talk more about this exciting initiative in future editions.
About the Disney Conservation Fund
Disney Conservation Fund grant recipients are selected based on their efforts to implement comprehensive community wildlife conservation programs, stabilize and increase populations of at-risk animals, and engage communities in conservation in critical ecosystems around the world. Since 1995, the Disney Conservation Fund has given $125 million to support community-based biodiversity conservation efforts globally. This funding represents part of Disney’s ongoing efforts as a part of Disney Planet Possible to support a healthier planet for people and wildlife.
About the WIRES National Grant Program
The WIRES National Grant Program (WIRES NGP) has been developed to provide ongoing support for wildlife, and their habitats, across Australia. WIRES focus is on proposals that have tangible, positive and ideally long-term outcomes for wildlife.