Wheatbelt NRM’s Leigh Whisson was on a trip last week to set up monitoring cameras so he can identify suitable sites to start looking for the elusive malleefowl.
Malleefowl, like many species in the Wheatbelt, used to be found across the region, but loss of habitat and feral predators have reduced their range considerably.
The species is now listed as threatened by the Australian and WA Government which means without urgent actions it may disappear for ever.
Imagine Leigh’s surprise when he sighted a bird wandering along the road side out of Kellerberrin.
This is a good start for our new project, supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Landcare Program. Working with land holders with malleefowl habitat we will work to protect this unique bird.
If you have ever seen a malleefowl mound you will understand just how amazing these bushland builders are.
Their nesting mounds are a large pile of leaf litter and sand scraped together by the bird’s strong feet.
Rather than sitting on the nest the male Malleefowl checks the temperature of his mound regularly and moves material either onto of off the mound to keep it just right for his eggs.
We are keen to find sites with malleefowl activity or their nesting mounds.
If you have seen this Wheatbelt curiosity please record your sighting here.
www.surveymonkey.com/r/ICMalleefowl
Or
Focus your phone camera on the Q Code
If you record your sighting we will get back in touch with you to have a chat about what you have seen.
We look forward to finding more Malleefowl across the Wheatbelt region.
