The Distribution of the Red-Eared Firetail Emblema oculata in Relation to Bauxite Mining in the Northern Jarrah Forest

Abstract

The distribution of the Red-eared Firetail was studied in the northern jarrah forest and nearby areas of south- western Australia. It was shown that, although the species is officially listed on thestate's fauna list as 'rare, or otherwise in need of special protection'. it is much more widely distributed and abundant than was previously thought.

There appears to be little conflict between bauxite mining and the conservation of the Red-eared Firetail. Firetails were never observed to inhabit upland and mid-slope areas of forest where almost all mining is carried out. Juvenile birds were observed within 150m of active mine pits.

Most of the plants used by Red-eared Firetails are resistant to jarrah dieback Phytophthora cinnamomi, therefore it is unlikely that dieback will have a detrimental effect on the species.