The Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis - a Cause for Concern in Southern Victoria

Abstract

A detailed field survey of the Grey-crowned Babbler Pomatostomus temporalis, combined with extensive interviews with local bird observers, indicates a population of some 35 to 40 individuals in nine colonies in the Mornington Peninsula region of Victoria. Nine colonies are known to have become extinct since 1960 and the majority of extant colonies have displayed population declines. Factors attributed to these declines include habitat alteration, introduced predators and inbreeding. No remaining populations occur in national parks or land reserved for wildlife protection. A system of remnant habitat incentive schemes for private landholders and habitat restoration on roadside verges of low-volume traffic roadways by local councils, and the re-introduction of the species into nature conservation areas, is suggested.