Narndee: Mallee Fowl Impact Project

Validated by Everclime

This footage captures clear evidence of a feral cat within the boundaries of our biodiversity project site aimed at protecting the endangered Malleefowl (Leipoa ocellata). The presence of invasive predators like feral cats poses a significant threat to ground-dwelling native species, especially during nesting and breeding seasons. Location: The biodiversity project zone is a part of our ongoing efforts to restore and protect critical Malleefowl habitat.

A velvet gecko is a type of native Australian gecko known for its soft, velvety skin (hence the name) and nocturnal habits. There are several species in this group, but the most commonly known one is the Eastern Velvet Gecko (Oedura lesueurii). Key Characteristics of Velvet Geckos: • Skin: Covered in tiny, soft scales that feel velvety to the touch. • Appearance: Generally grey to brown with darker markings or bands, and sometimes lighter blotches. • Size: Medium-sized—typically 10–15 cm in length. • Eyes: Large, lidless eyes adapted for night vision (they’re nocturnal). • Tail: Often fat and used to store energy. If threatened, it can be dropped to escape predators.

We’re thrilled to share a major milestone in the Narndee Malleefowl Conservation Project! Initial field surveys have revealed 2 active breeding mounds approximately 30km apart, indicating a wide-ranging and nationally significant Malleefowl population across the 100,000-hectare surveyed area. Key outcome: These breeding areas are crucial for future conservation efforts and habitat protection. During surveys, we also detected multiple signs of recent Malleefowl activity, such as tracks, scats, and feeding sites—confirming the species’ resilience in the landscape. This discovery highlights the importance of targeted surveys and adaptive management to safeguard biodiversity. Stay tuned as we continue mapping and protecting these habitats!

• Primary Goal: To understand and conserve the threatened Mallee Fowl species, with additional biodiversity surveys targeting plant, bird, and mammal species. • Scope: The project spans 225,000 hectares, with 103,600 hectares delineated under biodiversity management. • Duration: 10-year phased plan focusing on data collection, applied conservation, and long-term population monitoring.

The Narndee landscape, discovered by Forever Wild in 2018, is a biodiversity hotspot and home to the endangered Mallee Fowl. This project aims to protect the species by conducting aerial surveys to locate nesting sites, setting up field cameras to monitor activity, and engaging local Traditional Owners in broader biological surveys. The collected data will guide sustainable land management and contribute to national biodiversity databases. Everclime is proud to contribute to this important conservation effort, enhancing the project’s long-term ecological impact.

The Mallee Fowl, a stocky ground-dwelling bird roughly the size of a hefty chicken, is one of only three Australian species classified as megapodes. These fascinating birds are among the few species that utilise the ambient temperature to incubate their eggs, constructing substantial nest mounds for this purpose. The mallee fowl is a threatened species, with significant reduction in habitat across much of Australia. The species is affected by invasive predators including foxes and feral cats.

The Mallee Fowl, a stocky ground-dwelling bird roughly the size of a hefty chicken, is one of only three Australian species classified as megapodes. These fascinating birds are among the few species that utilise the ambient temperature to incubate their eggs, constructing substantial nest mounds for this purpose. The mallee fowl is a threatened species, with significant reduction in habitat across much of Australia. The species is affected by invasive predators including foxes and feral cats.