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Biodiversity
1
Threatened species: Malleefowl
Scientific name:
Leipoa ocellata
Other common names:
Malleehen, Bush Chook
Conservation status:
endangered in NSW, vulnerable nationally
How do I recognise it?
Where does it live?
Malleefowl are unique to the arid and semi-arid regions
of Australia. In the Lachlan they inhabit mallee country
around West Wyalong, Rankins Springs and Willanthry
- a dry environment with low-growing eucalypt trees
and shrubs, in the west of the catchment. Bird numbers
are highest in habitat areas that have numerous food
plants (especially leguminous shrubs and herbs), a
dense canopy, and an open ground layer. Birds need
significant amounts of leaf littler to build nests and
hatch eggs.
Malleefowl are a large ground-dwelling bird
approximately 60cm long, weighing 1.5-2.5kg. Its
head and neck are buff-grey, while its body is a dappled
brown-black and white. The Malleefowl is a strong
flyer, but it prefers to run at a fast, lumbering pace if
startled.
As birds are rarely seen, their presence is normally
indicated by a nesting mound up to 3m wide, made of
soil and leaf litter (image below).
Malleefowl mound © Lachlan CMA
What does it eat?
The Malleefowl has a seasonally varied diet, feeding
on the seeds of Wattle and Senna plants, flower blossoms,
herbs and invertebrates, depending on what is available.
Quick facts!
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Malleefowl © Milton Lewis
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www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au
Large ground nesting bird. Dappled brown black
and white.
Builds large nesting mounds out of soil and leaf
litter and uses beak to measure and maintain a
constant incubation temperature.
Needs habitat with dense canopy, open ground
layer and plenty of leaf litter.
Threatened by uncontrolled sheep and feral goat
grazing, fox predation and fire.
Biodiversity
2
Malleefowl
Why is it classified as endangered?
What is the Lachlan CMA doing?
Malleefowl were once much more common in the Lachlan,
with sightings declining from 75 in the period 19811991, to 11 in the period 2000-2001.
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The main threats to Malleefowl have been identified
as:
• Clearing and fragmentation of habitat: in recent
years, harvest of Broombush (Melaleuca uncinata)
has been identified as a serious threat.
• Fire: birds prefer old growth mallee with high levels
of leaf litter. Breeding can be reduced for up to
30yrs after unsuitable fires.
• Over-grazing by both feral and native species:
goats, sheep, rabbits and kangaroos - removes
food source and can change the overall habitat
structure in the long term.
• Predation by cats and foxes, especially on chicks.
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Supporting farmers and community groups to protect
existing birds and habitat
Assisting in the control of pest grazers (goats and
rabbits) and predators (foxes)
The CMA is also monitoring species numbers
together with landholders. Please call 1800 885
747 If you would like more information, or to be
involved in this work
Malleefowl © Malleefowl.com
What can I do?
Retain and improve areas of mallee country:
• Ensure a mix of tree and shrub species
• Maintain leaf litter
Manage grazing to minimise impact on habitat areas:
• Malleefowl densities in areas grazed by sheep
have been observed to be one tenth of non grazed
areas.
Undertake pest management control:
• Trap and sell goats
• Bait for foxes
Take part in monitoring:
• Let the CMA know if you see a Malleefowl or mound
www.lachlan.cma.nsw.gov.au
Malleefowl © The Age
References:
1. Benshemesh, J. (2007). National Recovery Plan for Mallee
fowl. Department for Environment and Heritage, South Australia.
2. Malleefowl preservation Group http://www.malleefowl.com.
au/malleefowl.aspx
3. NSW office of Environment and Heritage: http://www.
environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheMalleefowl.htm