THE habitat of the grey range thick-billed grasswren is being rehabilitated thanks to $800,000 in government funding
The species, now endemic to the far north-west of NSW, had previously been considered extinct due to habitat degradation. However, sightings were recorded in Mutawintji National Park between 2011 and 2013. The species is classified as critically endangered.
The project hopes to build on targeted efforts to identify and rehabilitate saltbush and bluebush in the areas of arid shrubland that the bird lives and breeds in.
The Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust is providing the funding, and it will be delivered by Western Local Land Services.
The Mutawintji Board of Management and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will also be involved in delivering the project.
General manager of Western Local Land Services, Erlina St Vincent said she hopes the project will increase populations of the grasswrens.
“By applying rangeland rehabilitation techniques to rehydrate the landscape and reduce erosion, we aim to encourage habitat regeneration, which will have positive impacts for other flora and fauna within this delicate ecosystem,” Ms St Vincent said.
“Three separate species of threatened grasswren are known to exist in Downs Country of the Far West so it won’t only be the grey range thick-billed subspecies to benefit from the work.”
Ms St Vincent said that private landholders in Milparinka and Packsaddle, along with Traditional Owners, will be engaged in the project.
“We are particularly excited to increase awareness of the species among regional communities and incorporate the valuable knowledge of Traditional Owners spanning tens of thousands of years,” Ms St Vincent added.
The project has begun, and will be delivered over the next four years until June 2028.
