Wedderburn Conservation Management Network
Protecting Biodiversity - ​​Our Flagship Species - Malleefowl Leipoa ocellata
Connect with Nature
This project aims to significantly improve local environmental health, through various conservation based educational activities and workshops. We focus on weed control, revegetation, landscape restoration, and ongoing monitoring of Central Victoria’s last remaining Malleefowl population. The project’s activities will help mitigate land degradation, reduce erosion, improve soil quality, add to the biodiversity
and water retention in the landscape.
AIMS:
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"You cannot love what you do not know"
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• Provide a positive experience monitoring habitat of our rare and threatened species.
• Introduce participants to new citizen science-based monitoring techniques and platforms
• Collect monitoring data to assess the impact of resource management practices for our ongoing programs and recording on appropriate sites
• Provide participants with ecological literacy awareness, and project skills, for prioritizing the protection and appreciation of local flora and fauna species
• Provide the skills to participants to record, document, and monitor identified rare or threatened species (or their absence) for the long-term successful protection of species.
• Encourage the direct and ongoing involvement in monitoring and protection of native fauna
• Provide a safe environment for participants to provide fresh and innovative ideas and alternatives to how we can run our programs better
• Providing understanding to participants of necessary habitat, food sources and requirements for threatened fauna species.
The Project enhanced the capabilities of volunteers and community members, by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and tools to effectively contribute to local conservation efforts. Through education, technology, and citizen science, we seek to foster a culture of environmental stewardship, building a more engaged and informed community, dedicated to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of our environment, and showcasing Wedderburn and its surrounding ecosystems.
An objective is to restore and protect the natural habitat of the culturally significant Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata), an endangered bird native to the region (the closest remaining population to Melbourne), and to address the severe land degradation resulting from native vegetation clearing. This has resulted in altered hydrology, increased erosion, salinity, weed infestations, invasive species, and is exacerbated by climate change. Our coordinated environmental education program will help tackle these issues by educating, inspiring, and empowering participants about the importance of conservation and sustainable land management practices, and how they can be involved.
What we did,
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In the heart of the Victorian bush, there is a small town nestled near a unique and beautiful place known as Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve. The region is characterized by its vast, Mallee, Box Ironbark and Grassland landscape, dominated by low-lying scrubby acacia bushes, eucalyptus trees, wildflowers and granitic outcrops, a group of adventurous souls decided to embark on a day out in nature to explore Country, with hopes of spotting the elusive Malleefowl and discovering the hidden spring soaks.
The group consisted of volunteers and professional ecologists with passions and enthusiasm for birdwatching, wildlife, botany, and a deep appreciation for the landscapes surrounding Wedderburn, and intrigued by the unique geological formations of the region.
They set off in the early hours of the day, their backpacks filled with water, snacks, and all the essentials for a day in the wilderness. The sun begun to peek over the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the land. As they ventured through the Kinypanial Grasslands, into Mallee Country. The landscape changed from the agricultural canola fields and sheep paddocks into a world teeming with native wildlife and beauty.
They stopped at various ecosystems and talked about the challenges of Wheel Cactus, the fragmentation of the landscape and the hopes and dreams of the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network, and its plans to protect and nurture our small patch of Mallee Scrub. They climbed to the top of Ngarri (Mt Egbert), a significant place for the Djarra people. Where they saw the spotted Jezabel, lekking about the box - mistletoe. They then travelled deeper into the thick Mallee shrubland where participants hoped to spot the elusive Malleefowl. This large, ground-dwelling bird is known for its fascinating nesting habits. The group gathered around an inactive Malleefowl mound, and listened in awe as Annette Robertson talked about the isolated population of the endangered Malleefowl and our monitoring program.
Malleefowl are rare, in fact they are classified as Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) which places them just a few steps away from extinction. They are threatened by land clearing, climate change, bushfires and predation by introduced animals like foxes and cats.
Malleefowl, meticulously arrange a mound of leaves and soil to create its nest. They marvelled at the intricate craftsmanship of the bird's construction.
With the Malleefowl successfully checked off their list, they continued their journey through the Mallee Country. Their path led them to a series of spring soaks, hidden gems of the Box Ironbark forest of the local Granitic rises, that hold water even in the driest of times. These natural oases are surrounded by a diverse array of plant life, thriving in the landscape. The group was fascinated by the unique geological features of Kooyoora State Park which hinted at the history and the connection of land for the Djaara People.
They spent hours exploring the flora and Fauna of the (FFG) vulnerable listed spring soaks, marvelling at the lush vegetation that embraced the water's edge. Paul Foreman, an ecologist remarked on the values of the spring soaks and identified a wide variety of threatened plants, some with vibrant blooms and others with adaptations that allowed them to thrive in the episodic, ephemeral conditions. Meryl was in her element, observing and photographing the birds that frequented the soaks, from colourful parrots to delicate honeyeaters. The group navigated their way to Melville Caves and explored the Granitic Outcrops, looking over the escarpment towards the goldfields of the Box Ironbark Country.
As the day turned into evening, they gathered around the campfire to enjoy a well-deserved BBQ Tea. The golden light of the setting sun cast a warm, tranquil glow over Mt Korong. The friends recounted their discoveries and shared their joy and appreciation for the natural world.
Their day out Connecting with Nature had been a memorable adventure, filled with wonder and the profound beauty of nature. They left with a deep respect for the resilience of life in the arid outback and the incredible biodiversity that could be found in even the most unexpected places. As they made their way back to their community, they knew that they would forever carry the spirit of Mallee Country in their hearts, cherishing the memories of their day in the wild, untamed wilderness.
Our quest was made possible through funding from the Wedderburn Conservation Management Network, the Volunteering Innovation Fund and Parks Victoria.
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published in the Wedderburn Community House' Scoop and Scuttlebutt