Immediate action required to prevent another Australian avian extinction: the King Island Scrubtit
Matthew H. Webb A D , Mark Holdsworth B , Dejan Stojanovic A , Aleks Terauds A , Phil Bell C and Robert Heinsohn A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.
B Forest Hill Wildlife Consultants, 360 Forest Hill Road, Sanford, Tas. 7020, Australia.
C Department of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Sandy Bay, Tas. 7005, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: Matthew.Webb@anu.edu.au
Emu 116(3) 223-229 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU15099
Submitted: 25 September 2015 Accepted: 1 December 2015 Published: 7 March 2016
Journal Compilation © BirdLife Australia 2016
Abstract
For small and rapidly declining populations acting fast to prevent extinction is crucial. However, many endangered species receive little attention or management action. Action paralysis can prevail for several reasons, particularly for data deficient species when conservation resources are scarce. Here we draw attention to one of the world’s rarest birds, the King Island Scrubtit (Acanthornis magnus greenianus), a subspecies of a monotypic genus. Recognised as critically endangered for more than two decades, conservation action is virtually non-existent despite a rapid population decline. To establish current baseline information using a repeatable cost-effective monitoring methodology we surveyed 154 sites at eight locations as well as additional sites within the agricultural matrix. We detected the King Island Scrubtit at 28 sites in three locations (Nook Swamp, Colliers Swamp and Pegarah State Forest). At these locations, we estimated overall occupancy to be 0.35 (s.e. 0.05) and detectability to be 0.68 (s.e. 0.05) during a single site visit. We estimate the current area of occupancy of the bird to be <1 km2 and declining. This study documents previously unrecognised threats (acid sulfate soils, macropod browsing and wind-throw) and provides a path forward to population recovery. Our results highlight the need for urgent action to prevent Australia’s next avian extinction.
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