The University of New England (UNE) is launching a new project aimed at securing the future of the iconic brolga (Antigone rubicunda) and improving how environmental water is delivered to drying wetlands across NSW.
Led by Professor Paul McDonald from UNE’s School of Environmental and Rural Science, the project will involve collaboration with First Nations communities and include the employment of an Indigenous PhD student to help track the movements of the culturally significant species.
“Through a combination of traditional surveys, acoustic monitoring, and movement tracking of tagged brolgas, we will inform strategies for environmental water deliveries in NSW to ensure the provision of suitable habitat,” Professor McDonald said.
“This will enhance connections with the species and build capacity among land managers across organisations to improve population resilience.”
The brolga is listed as vulnerable in NSW and South Australia, and was recently upgraded to endangered status in Victoria.
Despite its cultural significance, the species has been the subject of limited research, particularly in NSW.
“A more thorough understanding of where and when brolgas move and use habitat in NSW could significantly improve conservation outcomes, particularly in the marginal range-edge inland population,” Professor McDonald said.
The research will focus on several of the state’s key waterbird habitats across the wider Gwydir, Darling/Warrego River, Lower Balonne and Macquarie River catchments.
“Successful management of environmental water relies upon knowledge of the river and wetland ecosystems, including those species that rely upon them,” Professor McDonald said.
“This project will provide critical information that can be incorporated into water and wetland management decision-making across the region for greater understanding at local, state and national levels.”
A key component of the project will be the involvement of First Nations people in on-ground monitoring and knowledge sharing.
Researchers hope combining Indigenous and western science will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the species.
“Understanding the role of water on wetland environments, biodiversity and cultural connections is a fundamental challenge that our research will help inform,” Professor McDonald said.
“We will incorporate traditional knowledge by employing local Indigenous rangers to help find, monitor and catch brolga, as well as survey habitat used by the birds once they are being tracked.
“An Indigenous PhD scholarship at UNE will further enhance the cultural links of the project and opportunities for training.”
The project is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026 and conclude in 2029.
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