Conservationists, researchers, and local government have joined forces to launch an ambitious plan to protect threatened native bird species throughout the Mount Lofty Ranges. With one of the highest concentrations of threatened woodland birds in Australia, the region has seen 78 species in decline and 12 already lost regionally.
The newly launched ‘ReBird the Ranges’ Action Plan aims to turn the tide through habitat restoration, protection, and management, alongside research, monitoring, and increased community involvement. By addressing habitat loss, shifting fire regimes, and the impact of both native and feral grazing animals, the plan seeks to mitigate the mounting threats these species face.
‘ReBird the Ranges’ urges locals to take an active role in conservation through hands-on habitat restoration and participation in projects. Efforts already underway include revegetating heathland in Deep Creek Conservation Park on the Fleurieu Peninsula to support species such as the western beautiful firetail, Mount Lofty Ranges chestnut-rumped heathwren, and Mount Lofty Ranges southern emu-wren.
In priority areas of the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, low-rainfall grassy woodlands are being restored to provide much-needed habitat for the diamond firetail, hooded robin, restless flycatcher, jacky winter, southern whiteface, chestnut-rumped thornbill, and brown treecreeper.
The SA Government has committed $1.8 million to the initiative, with staff from the Department for Environment and Water, Hills and Fleurieu Landscape Board, and Forestry SA playing key roles. Local councils, Trees for Life, Second Nature Conservancy, Nature Foundation, and Birds SA are all among those backing the project.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment & Water, Susan Close, said, “Through ReBird the Ranges, it’s fantastic to see our Government working in direct partnership with the wildlife and conservation sector, universities and the community to tackle this problem.”
“The Mount Lofty Ranges is an area of genuine ecological significance and is considered a biodiversity hotspot. Unfortunately, many native woodland bird species now occur in very low numbers throughout the region, primarily due to historical clearance of native vegetation,” said Close.
“We must act now to protect these species, which is why I am proud of this investment. It shows our Government’s commitment to preserving South Australia’s unique biodiversity.”
For more information on the project, visit www.rebirdtheranges.org.
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