№ 66 of 100
Plains-wanderer
Pedionomus torquatus
A bird so evolutionarily distinct they have no living relatives — 60 million years of history balancing on Australia's last native grasslands.
- Range
- Australia
- Region
- Oceania
- Habitat
- Sparse native lowland grassland of the Riverina, New South Wales and Victoria
The story
The quail-like plains-wanderer is ranked the world's most evolutionarily distinct endangered bird. They need grassland neither too thick nor too bare, so conservation here is delicate grazing management on private stations, paired with a growing zoo insurance population.
What's killing them
- Grassland conversion to crops
- Grazing pressure changing grass structure
- Drought and flood cycles
- Foxes
Who's fighting for them
Australian Wildlife ConservancyAustralian Wildlife Conservancy
ZSL EDGEZoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence
BirdLife InternationalBirdLife International
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Quick answers
How many Plains-wanderers are left in the world?
Approximately ~250–1,000. The Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is declining. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Plains-wanderer live?
The Plains-wanderer is found in Australia (Oceania). Their habitat: Sparse native lowland grassland of the Riverina, New South Wales and Victoria.
Why is the Plains-wanderer endangered?
The main threats to the Plains-wanderer are: Grassland conversion to crops; Grazing pressure changing grass structure; Drought and flood cycles; Foxes.
Who is working to save the Plains-wanderer?
Organisations working on Plains-wanderer conservation include Australian Wildlife Conservancy; Zoological Society of London — EDGE of Existence; BirdLife International.