Carpentarian
Grasswren

Carpentarian Grasswren is an elusive species occurring in Triodia covered sandstone ranges and drainage systems in the Gulf of Carpentaria. After more than a decade of targeted surveys by BirdLife Northern Queensland, it is clear that the species has suffered population decline, particularly in the Northern Territory. Unsuitable fire regimes appear to be the primary threatening process and as a result the species has disappeared from much of its’ former range.

While Carpentarian Grasswren are now only known from two distinct localities in the Northern Territory, much of the species predicted distribution is inaccessible sandstone that remains unsearched. Our research on the species began as a desktop-based investigation; we used Species Distribution Modelling to predict the spatial extent of habitat and identify determinants of the species distribution. These habitat predictions provide a spatial scope for monitoring and management and field validation of model outputs is underway to monitor and uncover sites of persistence.

Our aim is to study Carpentarian Grasswren intensively in the field; to better current management a deeper understanding of the species ecology, distribution and threat status is required. The project will involve tracking individual movements to ascertain habitat requirements and home range size, helping to understand the species relationship with fire and targeted fire management. Additionally, we will investigate the species population genetics and distribution to better understand the fragmented and diminished nature of the current subpopulations. Furthermore, we will continue to improve monitoring protocols using acoustic detection, call recognition and habitat modelling. By aligning these research techniques with on the ground conservation management, we hope to see Carpentarian Grasswren returned areas where local extinction has occurred.

Our key partnerships that provide funding and logistical assistance for field research are with Southern Gulf NRM, BirdLife NQLD, BirdLife NT and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service; key proponents of current Carpentarian Grasswren monitoring and management.