Landscape conservation vital for the health of Carpentarian Grasswren populations
Mount Isa Mines is proud to support Southern Gulf Natural Resource Management (NRM) in its efforts to conserve the endangered Carpentarian Grasswren in north west Queensland.
The Carpentarian Grasswren, a small brown and white ground-dwelling bird, is native to the Southern Gulf of Carpentaria, where it lives among spinifex and rocky outcrops. Unfortunately, only a few populations of this threatened species remain, with the largest found in the Northwest Highlands near Mount Isa. The primary threat to the Carpentarian Grasswren is the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.
To address this, Mount Isa Mines has contributed over $200,000 to Southern Gulf NRM’s two-year wildfire mitigation program. This initiative aims to enhance spinifex vegetation and improve wildfire resilience across 14,000 hectares of Grasswren habitat.
These cheeky brown and white ground-dwelling grasswrens live amongst the spinifex and rocky outcrops north of Mount Isa.
(Photo credit Steve Murphy)
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Wildfires cause widespread devastation to native habitats.
(Photo credit Lyndy Skea) -
Proactive fire management actions will help to protect the habitat of the Carpentarian Grasswren.
(Photo credit Southern Gulf NRM)
Megan Munchenberg, Chairperson of Southern Gulf NRM, expressed gratitude for Glencore's support, which will enable continued efforts to protect endemic species and implement best practices in fire management across the region.
"Fire specialists will work closely with local graziers, providing them with the knowledge and tools to take proactive fire management actions," says Megan.
"Annual aerial incendiary burns will also be conducted as part of this effort."
While the primary focus is on conserving the Grasswren, the project will also protect habitats for other endangered species, including the Purple-necked Wallaby, Gouldian Finch and Carpentarian Antechinus.
The program includes annual surveys of Grasswren populations conducted by BirdLife Northern Queensland, along with community engagement to raise awareness about the importance of fire management and protecting the Grasswren.
A recent survey by BirdLife Northern Queensland revealed that despite extensive wildfires in late 2023, Grasswrens have shown remarkable resilience, with a presence at over 83% of the surveyed sites.
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The Carpentarian Grasswren is endemic to the Southern Gulf of Carpentaria.
(Photo credit Steve Murphy) -
BirdLife Northern Queensland survey volunteers play a vital role in collecting crucial survey data.
(Photo credit BirdLife Northern Queensland)
Maryann Wipaki, General Manager for Health, Safety, Environment and Community, Zinc Australia, emphasised Mount Isa Mines' commitment to supporting sustainable environmental projects that preserve the unique biodiversity of north-west Queensland.
"Our partnership with Southern Gulf NRM goes beyond conservation; it's about safeguarding our precious ecosystems for future generations. The recent survey results are encouraging and underscore the importance of ongoing support and collaboration to protect biodiversity in the north-west," says Maryann.
Through the combined efforts of all involved, we hope to see thriving populations of native wildlife and their habitats well into the future.