Every year on September 7, Australia pauses to reflect on National Threatened Species Day, a date chosen to mark the tragic extinction of the Tasmanian Tiger in 1936. It’s a day of remembrance, but also a call to action: to protect the unique species that remain and to safeguard their future.
One of those species, close to home in southern Victoria, is the Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus).
The Little Bird with a Big Story
The Plains-wanderer is unlike any other bird in the world. Standing just 12-15 cm tall, this tiny ground-dweller inhabits Victoria’s native grasslands. Despite its delicate build, it is a survivor from an ancient lineage that has no close relatives. In fact, the Plains-wanderer is so unique it represents an entire family of birds found nowhere else on Earth.
But today, this remarkable species is in critical danger. Once common across the grasslands of Victoria and New South Wales, its numbers have plummeted. Habitat loss, caused by land clearing and changes to grazing practices, has pushed it to the brink. It is now considered one of Australia’s most endangered birds—with fewer than 1,000 thought to remain in the wild.
Why Habitat Matters
The Plains-wanderer relies on open native grasslands—habitats that have been reduced to less than 1% of their original range in Victoria. These ecosystems are vital not only for the Plains-wanderer, but also for a host of other native plants, insects, and animals that depend on them.
Restoring and protecting these landscapes is key to giving this little bird a chance at survival.
TreeProject’s Role in the Story
At TreeProject, we may not manage Plains-wanderers directly, but we play a crucial role in the bigger picture. Every seedling we grow and every planting day we organise helps to rebuild the landscapes these birds depend on. By working with landholders, volunteers, and Landcare groups, we’re restoring local-provenance vegetation across southern Victoria—creating habitat and corridors that benefit threatened species.
For the Plains-wanderer, this means:
- More native grasses to shelter and forage in
- Greater connectivity between fragmented habitats
- A chance for the species to recover
It’s a reminder that restoring habitat is one of the most powerful conservation tools we have.
How You Can Help
On National Threatened Species Day, there are many ways you can stand up for the Plains-wanderer and other endangered species:
- Volunteer with TreeProject or your local Landcare group
- Plant local natives in your own backyard or community spaces
- Share the story of the Plains-wanderer to raise awareness
- Support projects that regenerate and protect native habitats
Every action counts, and together, we can help write a different ending for the Plains-wanderer.
A Closing Thought
The Plains-wanderer is more than a bird; it’s a symbol of what we stand to lose if we don’t act. But it’s also a symbol of hope – proof that with care, awareness, and collective effort, we can protect even the most vulnerable species.
This National Threatened Species Day, let’s remember the Plains-wanderer and commit to creating a future where it, and all of Australia’s threatened wildlife, can thrive.