Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00858:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L00858
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 26021–29021

populations highly probable (Webster et al. 2021). For example, the ephemeral presence of the species on offshore islands and in atypical habitat is indicative of a high potential for movement between suitable habitat patches (Webster et al. 2021). The degree of movement between isolated populations remains unknown; however, the species may exist as a single metapopulation (Webster et al. 2021). The species may be suffering the effects of fragmentation (historical and ongoing), even if a level of connectivity is maintained. Climate change impacts could make the drier western edge of the species' current range inhospitable in the near future (S Legge pers. comm. 2022). The species is not subject to extreme fluctuations in EOO, AOO, number of subpopulations, locations or mature individuals (Webster et al. 2021).

In New South Wales, multiple records in the three decades prior to 1995, from multiple observers, indicated the presence of Black-breasted Button-quails in the state. However, many of those historical observations are questionable (Milledge 2000; NSW Scientific Committee 2009) and targeted surveys in the late 1990s failed to locate the species (Milledge 2000; M. Andren pers. comm. 1997). There have been no confirmed sightings in over two decades, implying a decline across the range of the Black-breasted Button-quail in New South Wales (DPIE 2021). Queensland populations occur close to the border and birds could reappear in New South Wales, however, resident breeding populations may be extinct.

Survey guidelines

Black-breasted Button-quail are usually detected by observation of birds that flush or walk away after being disturbed (DEWHA 2010). The species may also be detected by the scratching noises that it makes when foraging in the leaf litter (DEWHA 2010). Survey guidelines for Australia's threatened birds (DEWHA 2010) recommend land-based area searches of 15 hours over three days as standard (in areas of less than 50 ha). Platelets (see 2.7.2 Feeding ecology) may indicate presence of birds but are not conclusive as these are also made by other button-quail species (DEWHA 2010).

Males and juveniles could possibly be confused with the Turnix varius (Painted Button-quail) but can be distinguished by darker upperparts lacking bright rufous markings and pale iris (Marchant & Higgins 1993) if sufficiently clear views are obtained (often not possible).

Cultural and community significance

Black-breasted Button-quail are currently known to occur on the lands of at least the following Indigenous Peoples: Bailai, Butchulla, Danggan Balun, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Jagera, Kabi Kabi, Taribelang Bunda, Quandamoka, Ugarapul and Yuggera (Webster et al. 2021). The Butchulla name for the species is 'Mur'rindum'. The cultural and community significance of the species is not known. Further research into the subject area may benefit the conservation of the species by providing insights about traditional culture and land management.

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