Key points
- We’ve identified the native Australian birds that are most likely to become extinct within the next 20 years.
- By implementing emergency interventions, we are working to save them.
Emergency interventions to save native birds
The Emergency Interventions program focuses on highly threatened birds which have struggled to attract resources for conservation management. Our list of priority species (below) is drawn from recent research that identified which Australian birds are most likely to become extinct in the next 20 years.
- King Island Brown Thornbill
- King Island Scrubtit
- Grey Range Thick-billed Grasswren
- Northern Eastern Bristlebird
- Houtman Abrolhos Painted Button-quail
- Western Bristlebird
- Mount Lofty Ranges Chestnut-rumped Heathwren
- Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren
Working with experts and communities to kickstart emergency interventions
BirdLife Australia is currently seeking funding to develop Species Action Plans for these highly imperilled birds – the critical first step in saving them from extinction.
Developed in consultation with species experts, local communities and on-ground partners, BirdLife Australia’s Species Action Plans will identify our role in delivering key strategies and actions required to conserve these birds and drive their recovery.
Our emergency interventions are saving threatened birds
Through the emergency interventions initiative, BirdLife Australia is working to save threatened birds, including:
Kangaroo Island birds
The 2019 bushfires that swept across Kangaroo Island were calamitous; almost half the island burned. This includes important habitat for many native birds. BirdLife Australia took action to assess the impact of the bushfires on Kangaroo Island’s birdlife. The damage was assessed and surveyed, and this allowed us to identify measures to facilitate recovery.
Western Ground Parrot
The Western Ground Parrot has vanished from many parts of its habitat on the South Coast of Western Australia. Bushfires are a major threat to these birds, which prefer vegetation that has not been burnt for many years.
Grey Range Thick-billed Grasswren
For over a century, these birds were thought to be extinct. Indeed, over the last century, fewer than 50 have been seen. Surveys by the Emergency Interventions team are helping BirdLife understand what these Critically Endangered birds need to help secure a future for them.
