Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006:reg:3:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00006
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 3 (pt 9/58)
Character Range: 26373–29521

Species of National Environmental
           Significance database.
           Caveat: The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to, or as a consequence of, anything contained herein.
           Species distribution mapping: The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the habitat or geographic feature that represents to recent observed locations of the species (known to occur) or habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur); and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur). These presence categories are created using an extensive
           database of species observations records, national and regional-scale environmental data, environmental
           modelling techniques and documented scientific research.

                 2.5                  Population trends

Northern population

           In 2020, 43 northern Eastern Bristlebirds were known to be alive in the wild, with another two sites having recent possible sightings, suggesting in total 45–46 birds were present (D Charley unpublished, cited in Charley et al. 2021). Of these, four were confirmed in Queensland and 39 confirmed in NSW. There were a further
           19 individuals in captivity.

           Numbers have been stable or slightly increasing in the last decade, despite ongoing declines in Queensland suggesting ongoing southward contraction in distribution: in 2014, 11 birds were recorded, suggesting 13–30 birds present; in 2016, 18 birds
           were recorded (suggesting 20 to 30 birds present; NESP 2019); and in 2018, 25 birds

 were present suggesting 30–40 birds were present (D Charley pers. comm. 2018, cited in Charley et al. 2021). However, this was preceded by a long history of attrition: in 1988, 154 individuals were located in 103 territories; in 1996, there were 36 birds in
 30 territories; in 1997–1998, there were 26 birds in 16 territories; and, in 2010, there
 were 25 to 30 individuals (Garnett et al. 2011).

 For the northern Eastern Bristlebird population, extinction is likely unless serious consideration is given to genetic rescue of the population (Stone 2018b). Fire management, weed control and translocation are also necessary to ensure the persistence of these birds.

 Central and southern populations

 The population estimate for the central and southern populations is 3,000 (range 2,500–3,500) mature individuals (Bain et al. 2021). Recent declines have occurred at Barren Grounds/Budderoo (78% decline; unburnt habitat) and Nadgee (81% decline; burnt habitat) indicating >30% overall population decline (D Bain pers. comm. 2022;
 IUCN Red List Forum 2022). This new information has important implications for the status