Translocation of the Eastern Bristlebird 2: applying principles to two case studies

Abstract

Summary The Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) is an endangered endemic passerine of south‐eastern Australia. The re‐establishment of extirpated populations through translocation was identified as a key action in New South Wales to address the threats to this species associated with habitat fragmentation and widespread and frequent fire. At Jervis Bay during 2003–2005, 50 birds were translocated from Bherwerre Peninsula to Beecroft Peninsula. In the Illawarra in 2008, 50 birds were translocated from Barren Grounds Nature Reserve to Cataract. At Jervis Bay, monitoring indicated that after 7 years, (i) there was no detectable impact on the source population from the removal of birds and (ii) the count at Beecroft Peninsula was 94 birds, with dispersal up to 6.3 km from the release point. In the Illawarra, (i) the source population was recovering 3 years post‐removal and (ii) the maximum count at Cataract was 15 birds after 3.5 years, including evidence of breeding, and after 3 years, the maximum dispersal was 7 km from the release point. Both translocations adhered to five key principles as follows. (i) Feasibility analysis prior to each project was favourable. (ii) For 17 pre‐stated criteria for success, 14 and 10, respectively, were met for Jervis Bay and Illawarra. (iii) Financial accountability was achieved with detailed statements showing budgets of $201k and $92k, respectively, for Jervis Bay and Illawarra. (iv) Ecological research was incorporated into both projects. (v) The results of each project are progressively being published. The re‐introduction at Jervis Bay has succeeded, and we are optimistic about the Illawarra re‐introduction.

Translocation of the Eastern Bristlebird 1: radio‐tracking of post‐release movements

“…This translocation was staged over 3 years to enable the progressive evaluation of methods and ongoing success of the project without risking a large number of Eastern Bristlebirds at any one time. The translocation reported in the present study resulted in birds being detected annually in the vicinity of the release points up to 7.5 years post-release as well as others that dispersed to 4.6 and 6.3 km after 1.5 and 6.5 years, respectively, and ultimately, the successful establishment of a new breeding population (Baker et al 2012). A subsequent release of 50 birds in one stage in the Illawarra region of New South Wales resulted in birds detected in the vicinity of the release point after 1 year but not thereafter, although birds were detected 2-5 and 2-7 km from the release point 1.5 and 3 years post-release, respectively (Baker et al 2012).…”

“…This translocation was staged over 3 years to enable the progressive evaluation of methods and ongoing success of the project without risking a large number of Eastern Bristlebirds at any one time. The translocation reported in the present study resulted in birds being detected annually in the vicinity of the release points up to 7.5 years post‐release as well as others that dispersed to 4.6 and 6.3 km after 1.5 and 6.5 years, respectively, and ultimately, the successful establishment of a new breeding population (Baker et al. 2012).…”

“…2012). A subsequent release of 50 birds in one stage in the Illawarra region of New South Wales resulted in birds detected in the vicinity of the release point after 1 year but not thereafter, although birds were detected 2–5 and 2–7 km from the release point 1.5 and 3 years post‐release, respectively (Baker et al. 2012).…”

“…This study provided increasing confidence to continue with the translocation programme. The longer‐term monitoring for this translocation and a subsequent translocation at a second location (Illawarra, NSW, Australia) is provided by Baker et al. (2012).…”

Booderee National Park Management: Connecting science and management

“…BNP is an iconic reserve (Figs 1 and 2) managed conjointly between Parks Australia and the Wreck Bay Aboriginal Community. It supports an array of high-profile nationally endangered species such as the Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) (Lindenmayer et al 2009;Baker et al 2012) (see Fig. 3a).…”