Securing the Future of 
The Australasian Bittern

The Australasian Bittern, one of Australia’s most secretive and endangered wetland birds, is being protected through a combination of scientific monitoring and collaborative conservation efforts. Critical habitats were surveyed and continue to be managed in regions like the Hunter Wetlands to support breeding success and long-term survival. By bringing together ecologists, land managers, and local communities, important strides are being made to secure the future of this elusive species.

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Its secretive nature and declining habitat make population monitoring challenging, yet vital for conservation efforts.

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Surveying for Conservation

From October 2022 to January 2023, AEP undertook targeted surveys across the

Hunter Estuary and Cattai Wetlands in New South Wales to improve understanding

of bittern population dynamics, breeding behaviour, and habitat use. This research

was supported by the Australian Government’s Regional Land Partnerships program,

administered locally by Hunter Local Land Services.

 

Using advanced acoustic song meters, along with call playback, nocturnal spotlighting,

and drone-assisted habitat assessments, AEP successfully confirmed Australasian

Bittern presence at multiple sites, notably within Hexham Swamp.

 

Challenges and Breakthroughs​

​Due to the species’ elusive nature and environmental variability affecting detection

rates, traditional survey methods often fall short. However, this study showcased the

effectiveness of passive acoustic monitoring combined with sophisticated analytical

tools such as Arbimon and Kaleidoscope, paving the way for improved conservation

strategies.

 

​The success of this project highlights the importance of citizen science in ecological monitoring. Community involvement significantly contributed to data collection, strengthening regional conservation efforts and fostering a shared commitment to protecting wetland ecosystems. The insights gained will inform ongoing conservation initiatives, habitat management strategies, and advocacy to secure the future of the Australasian Bittern.

 

Explore more about this remarkable species, including images and audio recordings, at BirdLife Australia’s Australasian Bittern profile.​​