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 Mt Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-­‐Wren (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius) Conservation Status NATIONAL: Endangered (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) Description The Mt Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-­‐Wren is a tiny bird, weighing just 7 grams and measuring approximately 20cm in length. Its distinctive six feathered tail is as long as its body. They are the largest of the three emu-­‐wren species. They are poor fliers, tending move mainly by hopping or scrambling through the dense vegetation. Stout bristles around the base of their beak serve as an ‘early-­‐
warning system’ to protect their eyes from being damaged by the prickly vegetation. Distribution Confined to the South Mount Lofty Ranges–Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia. Habitat Inhabits swamp or heath habitat that has dense vegetation cover from the ground to about the 1 metre level. The swamps of South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula (a critically endangered habitat) and is one of SA’s most endangered birds. Around 500 birds survive, and numbers continue to decline despite active efforts to assist recovery. Diet Feeds mainly in shrubs and sedges, sometimes on the ground on small invertebrates such as spiders, insects and insects larvae. Breeding Their breeding season is from August–March with one or two broods of three being raised each breeding season. They are usually monogamous. Juveniles leave the nest at 8-­‐10 days of age but remain with their parent a further 2-­‐3 months. The nest is a small, domed shape with a side entrance. Threats The principle threats to this bird are human activity (mainly destruction of the specialised habitat) and catastrophic events such as wildfires. Recovery Plan Recovery activity includes fencing off important areas and/or protecting them under heritage agreements, providing information and education for local landholders on how to recognise and manage such areas, and offering technical and financial support to encourage better protection of either the birds or the swamps. FAME worked with the Conservation Council of South Australia to protect areas of swamp on the Fleurieu Peninsula, which is critical for the survival of this endangered bird. References & More Information Conservation Council 2010. Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-­‐wren Quick Fact File www.ccsa.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5492&Itemid=461 Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 2010. Threatened Species Fact Sheet: Mount Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-­‐
wren (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius) Commonwealth Government. www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/sa2003.html Nov-­‐13 www.fame.org.au