Description: The project aimed to safeguard the Wilkin’s bunting by restoring its Phylica woodland habitat on Nightingale Island and implementing a biosecurity protocol to prevent the arrival of invasive species. Key objectives included assessing the bird’s population, mapping its territory, and planting Phylica trees for habitat restoration. The initiative also focused on developing visitor biosecurity and monitoring protocols, aiming to prevent non-native species’ introduction by human traffic between islands. This effort enhanced knowledge about threatened finch, expanded woodland areas, and fortified biosecurity measures. Results included mapping 187 bunting territories and conducting over 1,200 bird resightings. Habitat restoration involved planting 200 Phylica trees over 0.5 hectares, with an 80% survival rate after one year. Additionally, protocols for monitoring fungal infections, introduced insects and weed spread were successfully implemented, contributing to preserving the Wilkin’s bunting habitat and strengthening staff expertise.
Duration: 24 months
