The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is calling on community volunteers to help monitor one of the region’s most elusive native birds, the nationally threatened malleefowl.
The board has been part of the National Malleefowl Program for more than 30 years and manages more monitoring sites than any other region in Australia. Senior ecologist Craig Gillespie said volunteers were vital to the program’s success, as the birds can range across vast areas of mallee scrub.
“Volunteers are the backbone of this program. Their dedication means we can track how the malleefowl are faring in our region and contribute to national research that is helping to shape the future of malleefowl conservation,” he said.
The information gathered by volunteers has already contributed to long-term studies on climate, habitat condition and predation, helping to measure breeding success and guide conservation efforts.
This year’s monitoring season will run from mid-October to December at sites near Murray Bridge, through the Murray Mallee to Lameroo, and north into the Riverland. No experience is needed, with training and guidance provided, and surveys conducted in pairs or small groups.
Anyone interested in taking part can register via the Landscape SA website or contact program coordinator Chris Fulton on 0437 518 797.
