Strategy 1: Develop and implement a robust, targeted conservation breeding strategy for the plains-wanderer. Research Actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 1a Develop a captive breeding strategy for the 1 A workshop is held to develop a captive breeding strategy for the plains-wanderer, and establish the objectives, scale and nature of a captive breeding program. DotE OEH DELWP ZAA PwRT IUCN CBSG $15 000 1b Develop a Population Response for the to inform the ongoing management of a captive breeding program for the species. 2 A population response model is developed and achieves the following objectives: a realistic recovery time frame and trajectory, informed by knowledge of species biology and threats, is identified, the outcomes of observed population fluctuations can be predicted, and the effectiveness of recovery actions can be assessed. OEH ZAA PwRT Core government business (collaborating with research community) On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 1c Implement the captive breeding strategy and establish a captive population of 1 The captive breeding strategy developed under action 1b is implemented. A captive population of plains-wanderers is established and meets the agreed objectives of the captive breeding program (as determined under 1b). OEH DELWP ZAA DEWNR $500 000 pa
Strategy 2: Facilitate management of grazing regimes, and improve knowledge of appropriate burning regimes, to maintain suitable habitat. Research Actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 2a the roles of burning and slashing in maintaining and improving the condition of plains-wanderer habitat in National Parks and Reserves, and other lands managed for conservation. 1 The potential for ecological burns to be used to manage plains-wanderer habitat (including impacts and response of vegetation) is investigated. A joint framework is developed and implemented to learn lessons from the various fire management methods being used across plains-wanderer habitat (e.g. by NP, TFN etc.) and to improve and coordinate future management of the species and its habitat. DELWP PV OEH TfN NTAG Research community $30 000 pa (for four year PhD project) On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 2b Facilitate grazing management to soil type and enable landholders to maintain suitable grassland biomass on red 1 Wherever possible, stock are rotated through, or confined to, fenced paddocks to maintain grassland biomass to desired levels for plains-wanderers in key habitat. An incentive program is developed to provide funding for landholders to fence paddocks and/or key habitat patches, or implement other methods for improving grazing management, in key habitat. DELWP OEH PV MLLS NCCMA RLLS TfN BHA $80 000 pa (for five year incentive program to twenty farms at $20 000 ea) 2c Closely monitor grazing impacts on public and private reserves where grazing regimes are being managed for to ensure grassland structure remains within acceptable limits for the species. 1 Grassland structure and composition is monitored regularly, on both public and private protected areas, where grazing regimes are being managed for Managers respond quickly and effectively to ensure grassland structure remains suitable (i.e. 13-17 golf balls score, Parks Victoria 20081; NSW, 2007) on reserves being managed for plains-wanderers. During dry periods (late spring to autumn break), or declared droughts, stock exclusion from public areas is implemented as appropriate. PV OEH TfN MLLS RLLS $100 000 pa
2d Design and implement a habitat management strategy for all in which are a management target. 1 Site specific management strategies, with appropriate grazing and burning protocols, are developed for areas within National Parks, the National Reserve System and other lands for which plains-wanderers are a management target. Management practices are reviewed to ensure best practice is being implemented. National Parks and Reserves and other lands where plains-wanders are a management target. OEH DELWP PV TfN NTAG $50 000 for Victorian reserves $30 000 for NSW National Parks and defence land Strategy 3: Enhance protection, improve the quality and increase the extent of habitat suitable for the plains-wanderer. Research Actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 3a Develop strategies and programs to protect and enhance habitat. 1 An ongoing stewardship program is established to support landholders in managing private protected areas to conserve the species, with a focus on habitat quality outcomes. Areas suitable for purchase and management by NGOs and private land conservation bodies are identified. Financial models are indentified to support landholders in removing future risks of habitat loss through application of conservation covenants. Networks of private protected are established to complement existing public reserves and create long-term viable habitat areas of 20 000 ha or greater. TfN BHA NCT MLLS RLLS $100 000 pa (for five year stewardship program to protect twenty farms at $5000 ea) On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 3b Reduce, and where possible prevent, the clearing and loss 1 Current protections of plains-wanderer habitat under the Native Vegetation Act (NSW), and as detailed in the environmental outcomes assessment methodology, are maintained in NSW. OEH DELWP PV Core government business
4c Measure the impacts of feral species, wildfires and quail hunting on 2 Understanding of the spatial heterogeneity of feral species impacts upon is increased, with a focus on potential impacts in the species strongholds in the Riverina region of NSW and the Northern Plains of Victoria. in which wildfires pose a threat to key habitat for plains-wanderers are indentified. in which quail hunting, including illegal hunting, overlaps with distribution are identified. DELWP OEH DNEWR NPSR GMV PV TfN CFA (Vic) RFS (NSW) MLLS RLLS - On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 4d Develop and implement feral species control programs. 2 Feral species control programs are implemented, at regional scales (i.e. landscapes > 10 000 ha), with efforts centred on important areas of reserved plains-wanderer habitat (such as Oolambeyan National Park). Control programs take into account the potential synergistic relationships between different feral predators, such as foxes, cats and rats. Feral species numbers are monitored in areas where they have been identified as posing a potential threat to OEH DELWP PV NCCMA DNEWR NPSR TfN MLLS RLLS - 4e Where necessary, mitigate the impacts of wildfires on 3 Wildfire mitigation and fire suppression activities are implemented, as necessary, to protect habitat critical for the Where appropriate, mitigation measures include mechanical reduction of fuel loads. DELWP PV OEH CFA (Vic) RFS (NSW) - 4f Where necessary, mitigate the impacts of quail hunting on survival. 3 Lost and deteriorated ‘No Shooting’ signs on farm gates and fences are replaced for interested landholders. The recorded history of quail hunting impacts on plains-wanderers is collated and, if appropriate, a case is developed for excluding quail hunting from key areas of the Northern Plains of Victoria. PV GMV TfN -
and allow for investigation of causes of decline. On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 5b Implement a long term plains-wanderer monitoring program in the species’ strongholds in the Riverina region of NSW and the Northern Plains of Victoria. 1 Long-term monitoring grids are established at key sites across the Riverina region in NSW and the Northern Plains region in Victoria. Regular effective monitoring of plains-wanderer populations is conducted at permanent sites, and incorporates measurements of habitat structure, native grass and herb cover. Population trends and habitat suitability are assessed for each site and reported annually to DotE and PwRT. Alternative survey and monitoring techniques are trialled to inform monitoring in other locations, including assessment of the detectability success of each method. OEH DELWP PV NCCMA PwRT TfN $30 000 pa 5c Undertake regular monitoring at other known sites. 2 Targeted surveys are undertaken in suitable habitat in pastoral South Australia to establish whether resident populations exist. known and likely habitats are surveyed to locate viable populations. A regular monitoring program is established for important plains-wanderer locations (e.g. biennial). Monitoring techniques are informed by the results of trials conducted under action 5b. OEH DELWP PV DNEWR NPSR PwRT TfN BHA -
Strategy 6: Increase community participation in plains-wanderer conservation and management Research Actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 6a Develop and implement a broad strategy to raise awareness and educate the general public about plains- wanderer conservation. 2 Articles about plains-wanderer conservation, including threats and recovery actions, are published in community newsletters, local bulletins and newspapers. Information displays, and strategies, are implemented to educate the broader community about plains-wanderer conservation. Information on the plains-wanderer is provided to the birding community. Opportunities for community groups, or citizen scientists, to assist in surveys for plains-wanderers and/or provide data are investigated. PwRT PV BirdLife Australia Friends of TTNP BHA TfN DELWP OEH Community groups - On-ground actions Action Description Priority Performance Criteria Responsible Agencies and potential partners Indicative Cost *priority 1 only 6b Continue to inform, support and encourage landholders and other community members, including Indigenous groups, to be involved in plains-wanderer conservation. 2 All landholders with plains-wanderer habitat are aware of the species and its management requirements and have been encouraged to manage their native grasslands for biodiversity outcomes. Locally-based facilitator/s are established to engage with landholders on improved habitat management and delivery of incentive and/or stewardship programs. OEH PV DEWNR DEHP Friends of TTNP Geelong FNC TfN BHA - 6c Develop a targeted information pack to assist landholders, outdoor enthusiasts and professionals to identify and report sightings of 3 An information pack that aids in identification, and provides details of how to report sightings, of plains-wanderers is developed and distributed among landholders and other members of the public that engage in work or recreational activities in known or potential habitat Reported sightings of plains-wanderers are collated and information disseminated relevant stakeholders. DELWP PV OEH PwRT BirdLife Australia -