The bush stone-curlew is a ground-dwelling, nocturnal bird with long legs, known for its resounding call.
A landmark program reintroducing the critically endangered bush stone-curlew to the wild on Phillip Island (Milawul) will be expanded after conservationists recorded one of the highest survival rates in a trial release of this species.
The study is a partnership between the Nature Parks and Coexistence Conservation Lab at The Australian National University. Collaborations from zoos and sanctuaries across Australia have also contributed to the reintroduction program. We recognise the invaluable contribution of our partners and collaborators for the bush stone-curlew reintroduction program on Phillip Island (Milawul).
- Odonata Foundation
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Alice Springs Desert Park
- Featherdale Sydney Wildlife Park
- Caversham Wildlife Park
- Oakvale Wildlife Park
We acknowledge the Penguin Foundation as the sponsor of the reintroduction program.
The first groups of bush stone-curlews were translocated from Mt Rothwell Sanctuary and released on Phillip Island (Milawul) as a trial in August 2024, marking the commencement of a landmark partnership between the Nature Parks, Odonata Foundation and the Coexistence Conservation Lab at the Australian National University. The birds are fitted with tiny GPS-tracking backpacks and identification bands so researchers can monitor their survival, habitat use, movement patterns, and reproductive success.
Careful consideration was given to the release sites. Suitable habitats included canopy cover, a mix of ground cover and fallen timber that provides shelter while allowing birds to spot potential predators, adequate food availability, low predation risk, distance from roads, and accessibility for the research team.
A total of 12 bush stone-curlews were initially released, and the research team closely monitored the birds’ survival, habitat use and movement patterns.
New birds from other zoos and sanctuaries within Australia have now joined the Koala Conservation Reserve breeding and reintroduction program with the aim of increasing genetic diversity of the population on Phillip Island (Milawul).
The hope is to improve the long-term viability of the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Australia.
A research study to test and evaluate reintroduction strategies and tactics for bush stone-curlews is being conducted by a PhD candidate, Paula Wasiak, from the Species Coexistence Lab at the Australian National University.
The research will assess the trial and reinforcement releases over a three-year period to refine the tactics for future releases. The progress of the birds will be assessed based on their survival rates, habitat use, movement patterns and reproductive success. The ongoing monitoring is also supported by internship students from Deakin University and volunteers.