- Stipiturus mallee
Identification
Currently Mallee Emuwren is classified as Vulnerable but is likely tobe listed as ENDANGERED in the near future.
Distribution
Confined to inland South Australia and Victoria
Taxonomy
Habitat
Habitat fragmentation caused by drought and associated fires threatens one of Australia's most elusive arid zone residents the Mallee Emuwren. The emuwren is dependent on significant areas of triodia commonly called spinifex or porcupine grass because of its needle like 'leaves' that has been unburned for around two decades.
But years of drought, particularly in the southern and western parts of the southern and western parts of the emuwren's range, have affected the health of the spinifex and almost led to the emuwren's extinction in south Australia where the last significant population comprises 100 birds confined to 100 km/2 of Ngarkat conservation park, down from thousands of individuals spread over 2000 km/2 in the early to mid 1990-95 reduction in area occupied.
The Maliee Emuwren's habitat is now so fragmented that even small fires can have catastrophic consequences. The species's core population is now found in two key areas in Victoria...Murray sunset national park and Hattah Kulkyne National park and adjacent Crown land, and the total population could be around 3000 birds.
