Conservation status in NSW: Endangered
The Eastern Bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus)
They are shy and cryptic and mostly occur in dense, coastal vegetation. Although secretive, they are occasionally seen scampering across open clearings and are easily located by their loud, melodic song and a harsh, sharp alarm-call. The plumage of the Eastern Bristlebird is dull brownish above and lighter grey below, with rufous wings. The tail comprises about half the bird’s total length of 21 cm and may appear to be distinctively frayed. The wings are very short and rounded. The legs are long and strong. The face is paler and the eye is bright red. The strong ‘bristles’ at the base of the bill can be seen at close range.
What needs to be done to recover this species?
• In the event of a large-scale fire, undertake predator control immediately after fire to reduce impact on Eastern Bristlebirds and other ground-dwelling fauna.
• Prevent too-frequent fires in Illawarra and southern population habitats. Conduct habitat management burns in northern NSW habitats.
• Implement fire management strategies that enhances habitat for the Eastern Bristlebird. If hazard reduction burning is necessary it should be carried out in a mosaic pattern at a frequency of no less than 10-15 years. Hazard reduction burns may also be necessary to protect large amounts of habitat from too-frequent and intense fire events. Ensure that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
• Searches for the species should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas, particularly in the Jervis Bay area and Kyogle LGA. Surveys should also be conducted in Ben Boyd NP, Sydney Catchment Authority Special Areas, Ku-ring-gai Chase.
• Raise driver awareness through road signs about the presence of Eastern Bristlebirds.
• Exclude stock from habitat and fence colonies vulnerable to stock disturbance.
• Continue to control Bitou Bush, Lantana and other invasive weeds that pose a threat to Eastern Bristlebird habitats.
• Continue long-term monitoring of Eastern Bristlebirds at all known populations in NSW. Data to be reviewed in 2009.
• Long-term population and vegetation monitoring is critical for developing appropriate management regimes for fire, weeds, predators and other threats.
• Complete genetic studies to determine whether northern and southern populations are genetically similar or not.
• Determine locations of Eastern Bristlebird populations and prepare maps of known and potential habitats. Use this mapping to assign Environmental Protection Zones for important habitats and connective areas.
• Undertake translocation of birds from Bhewerre Peninsula to the Beecroft Peninsula. Consider further translocations of other populations in the future.
Reference: The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
• Prevent too-frequent fires in Illawarra and southern population habitats. Conduct habitat management burns in northern NSW habitats.
• Implement fire management strategies that enhances habitat for the Eastern Bristlebird. If hazard reduction burning is necessary it should be carried out in a mosaic pattern at a frequency of no less than 10-15 years. Hazard reduction burns may also be necessary to protect large amounts of habitat from too-frequent and intense fire events. Ensure that personnel planning and undertaking hazard reduction burns are able to identify the species and are aware of its habitat.
• Searches for the species should be conducted in suitable habitat in proposed development areas, particularly in the Jervis Bay area and Kyogle LGA. Surveys should also be conducted in Ben Boyd NP, Sydney Catchment Authority Special Areas, Ku-ring-gai Chase.
• Raise driver awareness through road signs about the presence of Eastern Bristlebirds.
• Exclude stock from habitat and fence colonies vulnerable to stock disturbance.
• Continue to control Bitou Bush, Lantana and other invasive weeds that pose a threat to Eastern Bristlebird habitats.
• Continue long-term monitoring of Eastern Bristlebirds at all known populations in NSW. Data to be reviewed in 2009.
• Long-term population and vegetation monitoring is critical for developing appropriate management regimes for fire, weeds, predators and other threats.
• Complete genetic studies to determine whether northern and southern populations are genetically similar or not.
• Determine locations of Eastern Bristlebird populations and prepare maps of known and potential habitats. Use this mapping to assign Environmental Protection Zones for important habitats and connective areas.
• Undertake translocation of birds from Bhewerre Peninsula to the Beecroft Peninsula. Consider further translocations of other populations in the future.
Reference: The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water
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