Gouldian Finch)

Consultation Document on Listing Eligibility and Conservation Actions

Erythrura gouldiae (Gouldian finch)

You are invited to provide your views about:

1) the eligibilityof Erythrura gouldiae (Gouldian finch) for inclusion on the EPBC Act threatened species list; and

2) the necessary conservation actions for the above species.

Note: The information contained in this consultation document was primarily sourced from the ‘Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010’ (Garnett et al. 2011). As this document was compiled in 2010, newer information may be available. One of the purposes of this consultation is to update the existing information in order to make a more informed decision on whether this species is eligible for listing under the EPBC Act (1999).

The views of experts, stakeholders and the general public are welcome. Responses can be provided by any interested person.

Anyone may nominate a native species, ecological community or threatening process for listing under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) or for a transfer of an item already on the list to a new listing category. The Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes the assessment of species to determine eligibility for inclusion in the list of threatened species and provides its recommendation to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.

Responses are to be provided in writing either by email to: [email protected] or by mail to:

The Director Marine and Freshwater Species Conservation Section Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division Department of the Environment PO Box 787 Canberra ACT 2601

Responses are required to be submitted by 9 January 2015.

Contents of this information package Page General background information about listing threatened species 2 Information about this consultation process 2 Draft information about the Gouldian finch and its eligibility for listing 3 Conservation actions for the species 7 References cited 8 Consultation questions 9

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General background information about listing threatened species

The Australian Government helps protect species at risk of extinction by listing them as threatened under Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Once listed under the EPBC Act, the species becomes a Matter of National Environmental Significance (MNES) and must be protected from significant impacts through the assessment and approval provisions of the EPBC Act. More information about threatened species is available on the department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/index.html.

Public nominations to list threatened species under the EPBC Act are received annually by the department. In order to determine if a species is eligible for listing as threatened under the EPBC Act, the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (the Committee) undertakes a rigorous scientific assessment of its status to determine if the species is eligible for listing against a set of criteria. These criteria are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/pubs/guidelines-species.pdf.

As part of the assessment process, the Committee consults with the public and stakeholders to obtain specific details about the species, as well as advice on what conservation actions might be appropriate. Information provided through the consultation process is considered by the Committee in its assessment. The Committee provides its advice on the assessment (together with comments received) to the Minister regarding the eligibility of the species for listing under a particular category and what conservation actions might be appropriate. The Minister decides to add, or not to add, the species to the list of threatened species under the EPBC Act. More detailed information about the listing process is at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/nominations.html.

To promote the recovery of listed threatened species and ecological communities, conservation advices and where required, recovery plans are made or adopted in accordance with Part 13 of the EPBC Act. Conservation advices provide guidance at the time of listing on known threats and priority recovery actions that can be undertaken at a local and regional level. Recovery plans describe key threats and identify specific recovery actions that can be undertaken to enable recovery activities to occur within a planned and logical national framework. Information about recovery plans is available on the department’s website at: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/recovery.html.

Information about this consultation process

Responses to this consultation can be provided electronically or in hard copy to the contact addresses provided on Page 1. All responses received will be provided in full to the Committee and then to the Australian Government Minister for the Environment.

In providing comments, please provide references to published data where possible. Should the Committee use the information you provide in formulating its advice, the information will be attributed to you and referenced as a ‘personal communication’ unless you provide references or otherwise attribute this information (please specify if your organisation requires that this information is attributed to your organisation instead of yourself). The final advice by the Committee will be published on the department’s website following the listing decision by the Minister.

Information provided through consultation may be subject to freedom of information legislation and court processes. It is also important to note that under the EPBC Act, the deliberations and recommendations of the Committee are confidential until the Minister has made a final decision on the nomination, unless otherwise determined by the Minister.

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Erythrura gouldiae

Gouldian finch

Taxonomy Conventionally accepted as Erythrura gouldiae (Gould 1844).

Description The Gouldian Finch is about 12 to 15 cm in length and weighs about 14 to 15 g. The adults are vividly multi-coloured, and exhibit three different facial colour-morphs: black-headed (most common), red-headed and yellow-headed (rare). The adult male is mainly emerald green above, with a light-blue upper tail, and a large black, red or yellow-orange mask (depending on the morph) that is bordered behind by a light-blue band; and yellow below with a purple breast and cream under tail. The adult female is similar to the adult male, but is duller and paler overall, and has a shorter tail. Adults of both sexes have black-brown irises, a ring of pale bluish-grey skin around each eye, pinkish-orange legs and feet, and a bill that varies in colour from white with a red or (rarely) yellow tip in the non-breeding season to pearl (in males) or dark grey (in females) in the breeding season. Juveniles are easily distinguished from the adults by their drab and nondescript olive-brown-grey plumage.

The Gouldian finch may be seen singly, in twos and in flocks that vary in size from small parties (including family groups) of less than 10 birds to large flocks of up to 400 birds. It may congregate around waterholes when coming to drink, although groups may arrive at waterholes independently. It is regularly observed in mixed flocks with other species of finches, particularly the long-tailed finch Poephila. Distribution The species is found in northern Australia from Cape York Peninsula through north-west Queensland and the north of the Northern Territory to the Kimberley Region of Western Australia (Higgins et al., 2006; O’Malley, 2006). Genetic analyses of mitochondrial markers indicate no population structuring across the species range, however analyses of nuclear markers indicate contemporary gene flow from Kimberley to the Northern Territory (Esparza- Salas, cited in Garnett et al., 2011). In Queensland there are no recent breeding records but since 2005 birds have been sighted on at least three sites on Cape York Peninsula, on the Atherton Tablelands, and at several sites in and around Boodjamulla National Park. In the Northern Territory there are recent breeding records at well-known sites in the Yinberrie Hills and Newry, as well as at Wollogorang (D. Baker-Gabb, cited in Garnett et al., 2011) and near Maningrida (R. Noske, cited in Garnett et al., 2011). In the eastern Kimberley, 8–12 isolated breeding populations of 40 to 120 adults are known (S. Pryke, cited in Garnett et al., 2011) as well as populations at Mornington Sanctuary.

Relevant Biology/Ecology Gouldian finches feed almost exclusively on grass seed and depend on a restricted variety of grasses which seed at different times throughout the year (Dostine and Franklin 2002; O’Malley, 2006). They nest in tree hollows, lay an average clutch of five eggs, and may raise several clutches in a season, but productivity averages 1.5 fledglings per pair (Tidemann et al., 1999). When breeding, they use small patches of suitable open woodland areas usually on ridges dominated by cavity bearing trees (such as white northern gum Eucalyptus brevifolia in the west and Territory salmon gum E. tintinnans in the east; (Tidemann et al., 1992a)) and seeding grasses (e.g. sorghum Sarga spp., spinifex Trodia spp.) within 2–4 km of perennial waterholes or springs (Dostine et al., 2001; O’Malley, 2006). After breeding they move to areas with different seeding grasses (e.g. annual spear grasses or native sorghum Sarga spp.), flock and Erythrura gouldiae (Gouldian finch) consultation Page 3 of 10 move across the broader landscape (O’Malley, 2006). A generation time of 2.7 years is derived from an age at first breeding of 1.0 years and a maximum longevity in the wild of 4.4 years (Garnett et al., 2011). Threats Regular extensive fires are known to reduce body condition and other health indices, particularly during the wet season and early breeding season (S. Legge, cited in Garnett et al., 2011). Heavy grazing by cattle is known to reduce seed yields in grasses important to the finches (Crowley and Garnett, 2001). In some areas, fire affects hollow availability, although nest hollow availability and productivity of juveniles appears not to be limiting at most sites (Tidemann et al., 1999; Brazill-Boast et al., 2010, 2011; S. Pryke, cited in Garnett et al., 2011). Historically an air-sac mite Sternostoma tracheacolum (Tidemann et al. 1992b; Bell 1996) also appeared to increase mortality in the wild and may have been a proximal cause of decline in a population already stressed by environmental change. Trapping for aviculture was substantial in the past but has not occurred to any extent for 30 years. There may be ongoing localised threats to some breeding habitat from developments such as mining. Given the level of ongoing threats, any indication from monitoring or the frequency of birdwatcher reports that the species is again declining would lead to a reappraisal of the status.

Assessment of available information in relation to the EPBC Act Criteria and Regulations Criterion 1: Reduction in numbers (based on any of A1 – A4)

A1. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 90%, severe 70% or substantial 50% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the causes of the reduction are clearly reversible AND understood AND ceased, based on (and specifying) any of the following: (a) direct observation (b) an index of abundance appropriate to the taxon (c) a decline in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat (d) actual or potential levels of exploitation (e) the effects of introduced taxa, hybridization, pathogens, pollutants, competitors or parasites. A2. An observed, estimated, inferred or suspected population very severe 80%, severe 50% or substantial 30% size reduction over the last 10 years or three generations, whichever is the longer, where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1. A3. A population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% or substantial 30%, projected or suspected to be met within the next 10 years or three generations (up to a maximum of 100 years), whichever is the longer, based on (and specifying) any of (b) to (e) under A1. A4. An observed, estimated, inferred, projected or suspected population size reduction very severe 80%, severe 50% or substantial 30% over any 10 year or three generation period (up to a maximum of 100 years into the future), whichever is longer, where the time period must include both the past and the future, and where the reduction or its causes may not have ceased OR may not be understood OR may not be reversible, based on (and specifying) any of (a) to (e) under A1.

Evidence The population size of the Gouldian finch is extremely difficult to estimate. The Bird Action Plan 2010 (Garnett et al., 2011) estimates a total population size of 2400. However, the Action Plan also estimated that the population size could be as low as 1000 when finch numbers reach their annual minimum during the wet season (Garnett et al., 2011). There is

Erythrura gouldiae (Gouldian finch) consultation Page 4 of 10 uncertainty about the current population trend.

Based on the information available there is insufficient evidence to list this species under this criterion. However, the purpose of this consultation document is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status.

Criterion 2: Geographic distribution (based on either of B1 or B2) B1. Extent of occurrence estimated to be very restricted <100 km2, restricted <5000 km2 or limited <20 000 km2 B2. Area of occupancy estimated to be very restricted <10 km2, restricted <500 km2 or limited <2000 km2 AND Geographic distribution is precarious for the survival of the species, (based on at least two of a–c) a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location. b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals. c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals.

Evidence The extent of occurrence is estimated to be approximately 1 370 000 km2 and stable; and the area of area of occupancy is estimated to be 2000 km2 (Garnett et al., 2011). There is uncertainty about the current population size and trends.

Criterion 3: The estimated total number of mature individuals is very low <250, low <2500 or limited <10 000; and either of (A) or (B) is true (A) evidence suggests that the number will continue to decline at a very high (25% in 3 years or 1 generation (up to 100 years), whichever is longer), high (20% in 5 years or 2 generations (up to 100 years), whichever is longer) or substantial (10% in 10 years or 3 generations (up to 100), whichever is longer) rate; or (B) the number is likely to continue to decline and its geographic distribution is precarious for its survival (based on at least two of a – c): a. Severely fragmented or known to exist at a limited location. b. Continuing decline, observed, inferred or projected, in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) area, extent and/or quality of habitat (iv) number of locations or subpopulations (v) number of mature individuals.

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c. Extreme fluctuations in any of the following: (i) extent of occurrence (ii) area of occupancy (iii) number of locations or subpopulations (iv) number of mature individuals.

Evidence The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010 estimated the total population as approximately 2400 adult birds (Garnett et al., 2011). However, the Action Plan also estimated that the population size could be as low as 1000 when finch numbers reach their annual minimum during the wet season (Garnett et al., 2011). There is uncertainty about the current population trend.

Criterion 4: Estimated total number of mature individuals: (a) Extremely low <50 (b) Very low <250 (c) Low <1000

Evidence The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010 estimated the total population as approximately 2400 adult birds and increasing ( Garnett et al., 2011). Because of the uncertainty around the total population size, a structured elicitation process was employed to assess the population size of the Gouldian finch using an expert panel (16 members) to assess all available information using a 2-stage Delphi technique to minimise biases (Burgman, 2005). The panel concluded that the population was likely to be well above 1000 mature individuals (2400) but, to be precautionary, agreed that the total across multiple locations could be close to 1000 when finch numbers reach their annual minimum during the wet season.

Criterion 5: Probability of extinction in the wild based on quantitative analysis is at least: (a) 50% in the immediate future, 10 years or three generations (whichever is longer); or (b) 20% in the near future, 20 years or five generations (whichever is longer); or (c) 10% in the medium-term future, within 100 years.

Evidence A population viability analysis has not been undertaken for this species, therefore there is insufficient information to assess against this criterion.

Consideration for delisting This draft advice suggests the Gouldian finch may no longer be eligible to be listed as Endangered under the EPBC Act as it may not satisfy the listing criteria in any category. If delisted, the Gouldian finch will not be considered during the assessment of referrals under the EPBC Act, and proponents will not be required to implement specific measures to mitigate against impacts on the species.

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If delisted, Gouldian finch will still be covered under state laws protecting native species and habitat.

A national recovery plan for the Gouldian finch is currently in place (O’Malley, 2006). Research and monitoring activities under the plan, such as identification and monitoring of important habitat and populations, may not continue if the species is delisted. It is unknown what impact the recovery plan is having on the survival of the Gouldian finch. The plan was due for review in 2011.

Given the level of ongoing threats, any indication from monitoring or the frequency of birdwatcher reports that the species is again declining would lead to a reappraisal of the status.

Recovery Plan A decision cannot be made whether to have a recovery plan for Erythrura gouldiae (Gouldian finch) as its listing status is uncertain. The purpose of this consultation draft advice is to elicit additional information to better understand the species status and the types of recovery actions required should it be decided to list the species and have a recovery plan.

Recovery and Impact avoidance guidance

Primary Conservation Objectives

1. Ongoing increase in sightings

2. Key sites with improved fire and grazing regimes

3. Stable or improved trends in population and health indices at key sites across entire range.

Important populations Recent breeding records in the Northern Territory include well-known sites in the Yinberrie Hills and Newry, as well as at Wollogorang and near Maningrida. In the eastern Kimberley, 8–12 isolated breeding populations of 40 to 120 adults are known as well as populations at Mornington Sanctuary.

Important habitat for the survival of the species Gouldian Finches feed almost exclusively on grass seed and depend on a restricted variety of grasses which seed at different times throughout the year (Dostine and Franklin, 2002; O’Malley, 2006). When breeding, they use small patches of suitable open woodland areas usually on ridges dominated by cavity bearing trees (such as white northern gum eucalyptus brevifolia in the west and Territory salmon gum E. tintinnans in the east; Tidemann et al., 1992a) and seeding grasses (e.g. sorghum Sarga spp., spinifex Trodia spp.) within 2–4 km of perennial waterholes or springs (Dostine et al., 2001; O’Malley, 2006).

Information required, research and monitoring priorities 1. Numerical trends and health indices at key sites across entire range

Management actions required 1. Continue monitoring of numbers and health indices at key sites 2. Promote as an indicator of sustainable cattle and fire management.

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References cited in the advice

Bell PJ (1996) Survey of the nasal mite fauna (Rhinonyssidae and Kytoditidae) of the Gouldian Finch, Erythrura gouldiae, and some co-occurring birds in the Northern Territory. Wildlife Research 23, 675–686.

Brazill-Boast J, Pryke SR, Griffith SC (2010) Nest-site utilisation and niche overlap in two sympatric, cavity-nesting finches. Emu 110, 170–177.

Brazill-Boast J, van Rooij E, Pryke SR, Griffith SC (2011) Interference from long-tailed finches constrains reproduction in the endangered Gouldian finch. Journal of Animal Ecology 80, 39–48.

Burgman MA (2005) Risks and Decisions for Conservation and Environmental Management. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, New York.

Crowley GM and Garnett ST (2001) Growth, seed production and effect of defoliation in an early flowering perennial grass, Alloteropsis semialata (Poaceae), on Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Australian Journal of Botany 49, 735–743.

Dostine PL and Franklin DC (2002) A comparison of the diet of three finch species in the Yinberrie Hills area, Northern Territory. Emu 102,159–164.

Dostine PL, Johnson GC, Franklin DC, Zhang Y, Hempel C (2001) Seasonal use of savanna landscapes by the Gouldian finch, Erythrura gouldiae, in the Yinberrie Hills area, North- ern Territory. Wildlife Research 28, 445–458.

Edwards A, Hauser P, Anderson M, McCartney J, Armstrong M, Thackway R, Allan GE, Hempel C, Russell-Smith J (2001) A tale of two parks: contemporary fire regimes of Litchfield and Nitmiluk National Parks, monsoonal northern Australia. International Journal of Wildland Fire 10, 79–89.

Edwards A, Kennett R, Price O, Russell-Smith J, Spiers G, Woinarski J (2003) Monitoring the impacts of fire on vegetation in northern Australia: an example from Kakadu National Park. International Journal of Wildland Fire 12, 427–440.

Garnett ST, Woinarski JCZ, Crowley GM, Kutt AS (2010) Biodiversity conservation in Australian tropical rangelands. In Can Rangelands be Wildlands? Wildlife and Livestock in Semi- arid Ecosystems. (Eds J du Toit, R Kock, J Deutsch) pp. 191–234. Blackwell Scientific, London.

Garnett ST, Szabo JK and Dutson G (2011). The Action Plan for Australian Birds 2010. Birds Australia, CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne.

Higgins PJ, Peter JM, Cowling SJ (Eds) (2006) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 7: Boatbill to Starlings. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

O’Malley C (2006) ‘National recovery plan for the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura gouldiae)’. Report to WWF-Australia, Sydney, Parks and Wildlife NT, Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts, Palmerston.

Russell-Smith J, Ryan PG, Durieu R (1997) A LANDSAT MSS-derived fire history of Kakadu National Park, monsoonal northern Australia, 1980–94: seasonal extent, frequency and patchiness. A LANDSAT MSS-derived fire history of Kakadu National Park, monsoonal

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northern Australia, 1980–94: seasonal extent, frequency and patchiness. Journal of Applied Ecology 34, 748–766.

Tidemann SC, Boyden J, Elvish R, Elvish J, O’Gorman (1992a) Comparison of the breeding sites and habitat of two hole-nesting estrildid finches, one endangered, in northern Australia. Journal of Tropical Ecology 8, 373–388.

Tidemann SC, McOrist S, Woinarski JCZ, Freeland WJ (1992b) Parasitism of wild Gouldian Finches Erythrura gouldiae by the air sac mite Sternostoma tracheacolum. Journal of Wildlife Diseases 20, 80–84.

Tidemann SC, Lawson C, Elvish R, Boyden J, Elvish J (1999) Breeding biology of the Gouldian Finch Erythrura gouldiae, an endangered finch of northern Australia. Emu 99, 191– 199.

Consultation questions for species

1. Do you agree with the current taxonomic position of the Australian Faunal Directory and Birdlife Australia for this species (as identified in the draft conservation advice)?

2. Can you provide any additional references, information or estimates on longevity, age of maturity, average life span and generation length?

3. Has the survey effort for this species been adequate to determine its national distribution and adult population size?

4. Do you accept the estimate provided in the nomination for the current population size of the species?

5. For any population with which you are familiar, do you agree with the population estimate provided? If not, are you able to provide a plausible estimate based on your own knowledge? If so, please provide in the form: Lower bound (estimated minimum): Upper bound (estimated maximum): Best Estimate: Estimated level of Confidence: %

6. Can you provide any additional data, not contained in the current nomination, on declines in population numbers over the past or next 10 years or 3 generations, whichever is the longer?

7. Is the distribution as described in the nomination valid? Can you provide an estimate of the current geographic distribution (extent of occurrence or area of occupancy in km2) of this species?

8. Has this geographic distribution declined and if so by how much and over what period of time?

9. Do you agree that the species is eligible for inclusion on the threatened species list, in the category listed in the nomination?

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10. Do you agree that the threats listed are correct and that their effects on the species are significant?

11. To what degree are the identified threats likely to impact on the species in the future?

12. Can you provide additional or alternative information on threats, past, current or potential, that may adversely affect this species at any stage of its life cycle?

13. In seeking to facilitate the recovery of this species, can you provide management advice for the following:

 What individuals or organisations are currently, or need to be, involved in planning to abate threats, and any other relevant planning issues?  What threats are impacting on different populations, how variable are the threats and what is the relative importance of the different populations?  What recovery actions are currently in place, and can you suggest other actions that would help recover the species? Please provide evidence and background information.

14. Can you provide additional data or information relevant to this assessment?

15. Can you advise as to whether this species is of cultural significance to Indigenous Australians?

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