School of Animal Biology

Jessica van der Waag

Thesis

Dispersal and survival of young Malleefowl in isolated remnants

Summary

This project examined the dispersal, behaviour and development of young Malleefowl in small isolated remnants of WA. The associated work included a large field-based component during the Malleefowl breeding season (November to April) and modelling, using a Bayesian Belief Network.

Why my research is important

Malleefowl are under threat due to a number of factors including habitat clearing for agriculture; resulting in many small isolated populations, and increased predation pressure by exotics such as foxes and cats. Small isolated populations are at particular risk of becoming locally extinct.

Results of this study will be used to develop management tools for the long-term persistence, through recruitment and colonisation, of Malleefowl populations in small habitat remnants of WA.

The persistence of Malleefowl in these sites is not only beneficial for the species. The presence of Malleefowl, as large charismatic species, can encourage positive conservation management practices by landholders including the establishment of wildlife corridors, fencing to exclude stock, and control of introduced predators. These activities not only benefit the Malleefowl, but also associated flora and fauna in the habitat.

Funding

• In addition to funding from the School of Animal Biology, this project also received funding from:
• 1. An Endangered Species Research Grant (Australian Academy of Science)
• 2. A Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award (Birds Australia)
• 3. Give a Chick a Chance (Malleefowl Preservation Group Community Conservation Trust)
• 4. A WWF Threatened Species Grant (Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre)
• 5. A WA Community Conservation Grant (Yongergnow Australian Malleefowl Centre)
• 6. The Malleefowl Preservation Group Community Conservation Trust