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Threatened species - Southern Emu-wren Introduction The Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius) has been classified as a critically endangered species. Habitats are becoming increasingly fragmented resulting in declining populations(a). Description The Mt Lofty Ranges Southern Emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus intermedius) is a small, and secretive bird with a long tail of six emu-like feathers. A poor flyer, it has a body length of between 60-70mm and a tail length of 90-120mm. The male is mostly brown with grey about the neck, black stripes from crown to rump. Underparts are tawny-brown except for the white belly and blue upper breast, throat and eye-brows. The female is similar with no blue colouration on the breast (b).
Male Southern Emu-wren (photo. David Edey)
Status Critically endangered with an occupancy of less that 10 square kilometres. Habitat:Occurs in two habitat types – swamp and dry heath. Can be found in dense vegetation up to one metre high. Swamp habitat is characterised by tea-tree bushes, grasses, sedges and ferns.Pressures:Populations have been reduced by clearance, degradation and fragmentation of habitat due to:
Other pressures on the Emu-wren are the effects of introduced predators (such as foxes, cats and rats) and inbreeding (due to small isolated populations). Responses Behavioural and attitudinal change required through:
In 2001 and 2002 a reintroduction program of the Southern Emu-wrens to Cox Scrub Conservations Park was undertaken to replace those eliminated by wildfire in 1983. Monitoring has since revealed the successful establishment of breeding pairs with at least 25 young being produced over two breeding seasons(c).
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