The conservation status of the Rufous Bristlebird, Dasyornis broadbenti, in South Australia

Abstract

Using a combination of field study, published records covering the period 1984–2003 and vegetation data, the extent of occurrence of Dasyornis broadbenti broadbenti was estimated at 620 km2 and the area of occupancy at 205–245 km2. By mapping the location of calling birds the mean home range of paired adults in the Coorong National Park was estimated to be 2.3 ha. The total South Australian population was estimated to be at least 17 800. Trapping and radio-tracking studies confirmed that paired adult Rufous Bristlebirds are sedentary, with individual adults being recaptured within 95 m of their initial capture location, over periods of up to 3 years. Immature birds dispersed distances of at least 740 m. The results confirm that the conservation status of this taxon is Least Concern. While this classification can now be accepted with greater confidence, some aspects of the ecology of D. b. broadbenti require further investigation, particularly with regard to population trends and degree of fragmentation.