Noisy scrub birds reintroduced into the Darling Range

4/8/98

In 1842 pioneer naturalist John Gilbert found a new species of bird in the Darling Range. More than 150 years later, the noisy scrub bird is being reintroduced back into the area where it was originally found.

Releasing the birds today, Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the reintroduction of noisy scrub birds into the Darling Range marked a milestone in the recovery of this - once thought extinct - species.

The Minister said the success of the recovery program for the noisy scrub bird (Atrichornis clamosus) was one of the most significant conservation achievements in Australia in the past 20 years.

"Internationally, the noisy scrub bird is regarded as a conservation icon," she said.

"Since the Department of Conservation and Land Management (CALM) began its recovery program in 1983, more than 150 birds have been translocated and released into areas where they used to exist.

"The release today in Driver forest block, 45km north of Collie, is part of the second phase of the Darling Range reintroduction plan - a co-operative effort between CALM and Alcoa of Australia.

"The birds reintroduced this year will join 13 male birds released last year during phase one, which has resulted in the establishment and persistence of males in two new locations.

"It is anticipated that the release today will complement and enhance the success of phase one and lead to the establishment of a breeding population - the first outside the south coast."

Mrs Edwardes said the noisy scrub bird disappeared soon after European settlement and was thought to be extinct until its rediscovery 37 years ago at Two Peoples Bay near Albany on the State's south coast.

"Since this rediscovery, comprehensive scientific research and management has ensured the conservation of this unique and historically important native bird," she said.

"It is more than fitting that the 150th translocation of the noisy scrub bird takes place near the site where it was first discovered more than 150 years ago."

Mrs Edwardes said the second release of the noisy scrub birds into the northern jarrah forest reflected CALM's success with native species recovery plans under the wildlife recovery project 'Western Shield'.

"By controlling introduced predators such as the European fox, which has been a significant contributor to the decline of native animals, CALM has been able to make inroads into wildlife recovery," she said.

"Successful exotic predator control in the region, a joint effort between CALM and Alcoa under Operation Foxglove - part of Western Shield - has led to the reintroduction not only of noisy scrub birds, but also woylies, ring tail possums and chuditch."

Mrs Edwardes said the released birds would be the subject of a comprehensive monitoring program by CALM and Alcoa.

"Alcoa of Australia has played an important role in conservation plans for the species and has donated $20,000 for the monitoring program," she said.

The birds reintroduced were captured and relocated from Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve where they are currently thriving. The noisy scrub-bird is a small (34-55gm) bird that inhabits low forest and dense scrub. It is semi-flightless and feeds primarily among leaf litter and debris on the ground and the shrub layer of its habitat. In the breeding season it eats mainly ants, beetles and spiders. It is known and named for its characteristic loud resonant song, which is used to mark and identify territory.

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 9421 7777