Mallee Emu-wren  |  

Stipiturus mallee

Status: Endangered on the EPBC Act list

Stipiturus mallee, also known as the Mallee Emu-wren is one of three species of emu-wren. It is a very small bird with a long distinctive tail of six emu-like feathers, about 1.5 times longer than its body. The male of the species has a sky blue face and upper breast with a rusty red capped head and back of its neck; the rest of its body is brownish-grey. Females and juveniles are similar but lack the blue markings, have a black streaked crown, white lores and white cheek streaks. The species call is high pitched and weak.

Government evidence of impact of climate change:

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  • Australian Government, Conservation Advice, Stipiturus mallee

    Given the limitations on dispersal due to the species being a habitat specialist; its suspected low reproduction rates; preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the Mallee Emu wren is considered to be restricted and precarious for the survival of the species.
    Threats The main current threats to the Mallee Emu wren include inappropriate fire regimes and the effects of drought on habitat suitability.
    Given the limitations on dispersal due to the species being a habitat specialist; its suspected low reproduction rates; preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the Mallee Emu wren is considered to be restricted and precarious for the survival of the species.
    Threats The main current threats to the Mallee Emu wren include inappropriate fire regimes and the effects of drought on habitat suitability.
    Drought poses an additional threat to the Mallee Emu wren; as rainfall influences habitat suitability and the abundance of insects; which Mallee Emu wrens use almost exclusively as a food source.

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  • Australian Government, Listing Advice, Stipiturus mallee

    Inappropriate fire regimes now pose the most significant threat to the species.
    Given the suspected low reproduction rates based on Southern Emu wren studies (Maguire Mulder; 2004); the preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the species is considered to be severely fragmented.
    Given the likelihood of continuing drought; reduced habitat suitability and the persistent threat of wildfire caused by these conditions; the Committee judges that there is an inferred continuing decline in extent of occurrence of the Mallee Emu wren.
    Given the limitations on dispersal due to the species being a (probably sedentary) habitat specialist; its suspected low reproduction rates; preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the Mallee Emu wren is considered to be restricted and precarious for its survival.
    Given the suspected low reproduction rates based on Southern Emu wren studies (Maguire Mulder; 2004); the preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the species is considered to be severely fragmented.
    Given the limitations on dispersal due to the species being a (probably sedentary) habitat specialist; its suspected low reproduction rates; preference for specific age class post fire habitats and the threat of wildfire and drought across its range; the geographic distribution of the Mallee Emu wren is considered to be restricted and precarious for its survival.

    downloadDownload
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