DBCA move trio of noisy scrub-birds to establish West Cape Howe population, marking first return in a century

An endangered species of bird has been returned to West Cape Howe more than a century after its distinctive song was last heard there, in an effort to boost its numbers. Three noisy scrub birds were successfully translocated from Waychinicup National Park by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in early September. Thought to have been extinct for more than 70 years, scientists were delighted to rediscover the songbirds in 1961 at Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. With less than 1500 birds accounted for in two small populations between Two Peoples Bay and Cheynes Beach, and on Bald Island, the move south-west is the latest in a series of recovery efforts by DBCA to boost the population numbers. DBCA regional ecologist Sarah Comer said BirdLife Australia, Aboriginal elders and ranger teams, volunteers and DBCA staff were involved in the translocation operation. “The trial reintroduction of noisy scrub-birds to West Cape Howe — more than 100 years since they were last heard here — is an exciting step forward in our efforts to establish a third population,” she said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to carry out this work in partnership with Traditional Owners, working together on-country through site selection, capture, and post-release monitoring. “We hope these pioneering birds will show that the habitat is suitable, and if all goes well, they’ll be joined by more males and females in the coming years.” Extensive habitat assessments of West Cape Howe were undertaken in 2024 to ensure the survival of the functionally flightless birds, which depend on dense habitat and rich leaf-litter. Each was also fitted with a VHF radio transmitter so scientists can keep track of them. Other noisy scrub-birds will eventually join the trio over the next three years to establish a new population as well as others moved to Two Peoples Bay, to strengthen the group that was weakened by a devastating bushfire in 2015.