Taronga Western Plains Zoo have announced their conservation breeding program for the critically endangered plains-wanderer.
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They took the opportunity of National Threatened Species Day today to launch the conservation effort for the small quail-like bird about 12 – 15 cm tall weighing 40 – 90 grams.
The joint project between the Office of Environment and Heritage’s Saving our Species program and Taronga has meant 30 purpose-built aviaries were built in the 110-hectare sanctuary at the zoo in Dubbo.
Minister for the Environment Gabrielle Upton said the plains-wanderer was a unique and beautiful ground-dwelling bird under imminent threat of extinction with less than 1000 birds left in the wild.
“Its an iconic species identified through the NSW Government’s Saving Our Species Program and one of 20 priority bird species in the Threatened Species Strategy,” Minister Upton said.
Watch a video of plains-wanderer’s in the wild. Story continues after video.
Take a sneak peak of what it’s like finding plains-wanderer’s in the wild. Story continues after video.
“This project is critical to securing a future for this species in the wild and what better day to shine the spotlight on their plight than on National Threatened Species day.”
Taronga Manager Conservation and recovery Programs Andrew Elphinstone said it was classified as an EDGE Species, an “Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species”.
“It is in fact the number one bird species on the EDGE list,” Mr Elphinstone said.
“The plains-wanderer is unique in the way it looks, lives and behaves. If they were to be lost there will be nothing like them left on earth.
For Taronga to be able to play a key role together with the Office of Environment and Heritage to fight against the extinction of this species is a privilege.”
Mr Elphinstone said the initial group of founder birds collected from the Hay Plains area of NSW had settled into the Dubbo aviaries and introductions have occurred.
Watch a video of plains-wanderer’s in aviaries. Story continues after video.
“The male birds settled in very quickly, and while it took the females a little longer, we now have two settled breeding pairs. Keepers have observed one pair demonstrating breeding behaviour.
“Given their shy disposition, keepers monitor the birds primarily via camera, only entering the aviaries when necessary.
Taronga and Office of Environment and Heritage conservation staff plan to establish five breeding pairs at the Dubbo zoo by continuing to collect additional birds throughout spring.
“The facilities constructed in Dubbo with the support from the Office of Environment and Heritage through the Saving our Species Program can hold and breed up to 30+ plains-wanderer per annum,” Minister Upton said.