Action StatementNo 119

Brolga Grus rubicunda

Indexof Action Stetements *xDescription and Distribution

* LifeHistorv and Ecoloqv

*ConservationStatus

*Decline andThreats

*ManaqeqentAgtion

*xReferences

**Compilers

Brolga, Grus rubicunda (illustrationby SusannaHaffenden)

Descriptionand Distribution

The BrolgaGrus rubicunda (Perry) is a large,long-necked 'lr cranestanding to 1.8metres in height.They have long, darklegs and their plumage is predominanflylight grey in colour.The average wing span of an adultis 1.7-2.4 "k-: metres.The adultmale weighs 4.7-8.7 kilograms and the female3.7-7 .3 kilograms(Marchant and Higgins 1993). Adultshave a conspicuousorange-red head which contrastswith the barecrown of greenish-greyskin and the darkerpendulous dewlap. The billis dark,long and straightand relativelylarge compared to the head.The iris ..;;, is yellowto reddish-orange.lmmatures (up to 10 months of age)have a grey,fully feathered head and the irisis darkbrown. Juveniles (11to22 months)gradually lose the headfeathering and attainthe red headcolouring. A fulldescription can be foundin Marchantand Higgins illrtr{but}on In Vlcteria (1ee3) +b€fere 1970 I sincg ,1570 {s+urce: S#as of tf,efonsr $,!#dlds.FlftE lgSSl The Brolgais distributedacross New Guinea, northern andsouth-eastern Australia (Blakers et al. 1g84, Marchantand Higgins1993). The populationsin Victoria andSouth Australia may now be isolatedfrom the northernpopulations as thereappear to be onlyscattered birdsin NewSouth Wales. In Victoria,birds are currentlyfound in the south-west,the NorthernPlains and adjacentparts of the MurrayRiver (Emison et al.1987).The specieswas formerlymore widely distributed and common,being recorded from the Melbournearea, Gippsland and North-easternVictoria (White 1e83).

Life historyand ecology

The Brolgais omnivorousand utilisesa diverserange of fooditems on a seasonalbasis. The mainfood items taken are vegetable materials, particularly the fleshytubers of wetlandplants, whichit obtainsby diggingand foraging.The residuesof grainand potatocrops are alsotaken. Amphibians,sometimes small fish and a widerange of invertebratesare alsotaken including freshwatermolluscs, crustaceans and insects(Marchant and Higgins1993, White 1983).

Duringsummer and autumn,many birds flock to deepfreshwater marshes and permanentopen waterand adjacentdryland areas. Most of theseareas are on privateland. These sites provide for the birds'drinking, feeding and roostingrequirements. lt is possiblethat young adults form theirinitial pair bonds at thesesites (Arnol et al. 1984).Not all Brolgasgo to the flockingareas. Somebreeding pairs with young remain close to theirbreeding areas (White 1983).

In lateautumn and winter the flocksdisperse back to the breedingareas where bonded pairs re- establishsubstantial territories. Most recorded nest sites are on privateland. Pairs are capableof occupyingthese territories for manybreeding seasons as theyare long-livedbirds (White 1983).

Nestsare generally constructed on a slightrise or islandin shallowherb-dominated or sedge- dominatedfreshwater marshes. Nests usually consist of a platformof coarsevegetation. Occasionallyeggs are laidon the groundwith a few piecesof coarsevegetation placed around them(Campbell 1900, Beruldsen 1980, Marchant and Higgins 1993). Usually two eggsare laid andthe parentsshare in nestbuilding, incubation of the eggsand rearingof the young.The chicksfledge 90-100 days after hatching and remainwith the parentsuntilthe onset of the next breedingseason or for anotheryear if the parentsdo not re-nest(White 1983, Marchant and Higgins1993).

Littleis knownabout breeding success, however Hill(1992)estimates it to be aboutone chickper nestingattempt. White (1983) suggests that if hatchingis successfulit is morecommon for one youngto be rearedthan two. This varies from season to season.Fledging success is unknown; however,losses of immaturebirds are attributedto predationby the Red Fox Vutpesvulpes and entanglementin wirefencing (Arnol ef al.1g84).

Cu rrent conservationstatus

NRE(2000) Vulnerable (Vic.)

SAC(1991) Threatened (Vic.)

The Brolgais listedas a threatenedtaxon underthe Flora and FaunaGuarantee Act 1988.

Declineand threats

The mostrecent population estimate of the Brolgain Victoriais 600-650birds (Arnol et al.lgg4). In 1992a singleday countlocated 635 birdsin WesternVictoria. There were 566 in flocksand the remainderwere in smallgroups or pairs(White 1992). No countswere made of the northern Victorianpopulation, however, this population has remained static at 60-70birds from 1g81to 1996with the largestflock of 28 birdsbeing recorded at Coropin July1994 (R. Weberpers. comm.).The populationhas remainedat aboutthe samelevelfor about a decade.The issueof concernis thatwhile the adultpopulation may appear to be unchanged,it may be ageingas the Brolgais a long-livedbird. With increasing age, the fecundity may be reducedand withno recruitmentto the populationthe numbersmay crash when older birds die. Fertilitywas not considereda limitingfactor in the early1980s when 82o/o of eggscollected were fertile (White 1983).In 1980immature and juvenile birds made up 10%of a flockat Willaurain western Victoria (White1983): however, few werelocated during the 1992survey.

Anotherimpact on recruitmentis the modificationand disappearanceof breedingwetlands. For example,drainage works have resulted in the lossof 79o/oof shallowfreshwater marshes which arethe preferredbreeding wetlands in the westerndistrict of Victoria(Corrick 1982). Deep freshwatermarshes which are usedduring the driermonths and to a lesserextent for breeding havesuffered a 66% reduction(Corrick 1982). In recentyears some wetlands have been restored by landownersand Brolgashave bred on them;however drainage of freshwaterwetlands still continuesparticularly where raised-bed cropping activities are occurring.Grazing of wetlandsby stockalso reduces vegetation leaving insufficient for nestconstruction when the wetlandsfill (White1983).

In recentyears concern has also been expressed about the subtleinfluence of salinityon freshwaterwetlands (Codd 1992, Kevin 1992) which may contribute to the lossof suitablehabitat throughsecondary salinisation.

In additionthere has recentlybeen extensive planting of pinetrees and bluegums in somerural areas,including the basaltplains. These plantations may impacton shallowfreshwater wetlands in the vicinityby interceptingwater that normally would flow into them.

Predationby the Red Foxon eggsand chicksis probablya majorcause of nestfailure at the presenttime (D. White pers. comm.).

Humanactivities have also had a directadverse impact on Brolgapopulations. In the past,egg losseswere due to egg collectingand trampling by cattle,but they do not appearto be a major causeat present.Young birds have become entangled in fencingand maycollide with vehicles andfarm machinery (White 1983, Arnol et al. 1984).Netting fences present barriers to unfledged chicks,which must remain close to theirparents. As breedingsites dry out,adults and young mustfind other sources of foodand water, and if youngcannot get throughfences, they are more susceptibleto predationor starvation.

Therehave been a numberof reportsof fledgedBrolgas colliding with transmission lines (White 1983,Goldstraw and Du Guesclin1991). lf nestsites are in the vicinityof thesepower lines there is a possibilitythat these sites will be unsuccessfulbecause of mortalityof adultsor newlyfledged young.

In the pastBrolgas were shot and poisonedto protectgrain crops, but reportsof these occurrencesare now infrequent.Brolgas may also have been indirectly poisoned as a resultof baitingprograms for otherpests, for examplecricket baiting programs and useof other agriculturalpesticides. Brolgas have also died as a resultof illegalbird-poisoning activities when the targetspecies was the Long-billedCorella Cacatua tenuirostris (D. Venn pers.comm.).

Lastcentury Brolgas were also shot for food.Campbell (1900) stated 'its flesh is goodfor the table'and commented that they were frequently offered for salein the Melbournemarket.

It is notknown if disturbanceof flocksinterferes with their social structure. Disturbance of areas suchas LakeMuirhead during proclaimed hunting seasons may fragment flocks. In itsfinal recommendation the ScientificAdvisory Committee (SAC 1991) has determinedthat theBrolga is:

o significantlyprone to futurethreats which are likelyto resultin extinction,and . veryrare in termsof abundanceor distribution.

The Brolgais non-migratory,but doesundertake seasonal movements. They breed in shallow wetlandsin one areaand thenmove to traditionalflocking sites which can be nearbyor many kilometresaway. In Victoriamost birds are nowrestricted to the south-west.They are dependent on shallow,grass or herb-dominatedfreshwater wetlands for breeding,and permanentfreshwater areasand a regularfood supply at flockingsites.

Activitiesthat threatenthe Brolga'spreferred breeding habitat inelude:

. Drainageand modificationof wetlands. r Alterationof floodregimes during the breedingseason which can causenest abandonment. r Modificationof vegetationstructure and species composition, water quality or soil structureat breedingand feeding sites. r Widespreaduse of herbicidesand pesticidesespecially in closeproximity to breeding sites. r Disturbanceby huntingactivities where young birds are stillin the breedingwetland. o Introducedpredators taking eggs and killingchicks. . Wildfireand burningprograms, which remove nest materiar. . Grazingby stock. r Subdivisionand fencingof largeprivate landholdings. r Erectionof structuressuch as overheadpowerlines. . Useof wetlandsfor irrigationand/or re-use systems.

Flockingsites are threatenedby:

e Disturbanceby huntersduring the duckseason and depositionof leadshot in welands. o Lossof habitatdue to changesin vegetation,for example,changes in agricultural practices. r Catchmentdegradation resulting in changesin waterquality, including increased salinity, siltationor flooding. . Poisoningof agriculturalpests eg. crickets. . Erectionof structuressuch as overheadpowerlines.

Wider conservationissues

The Brolgais one of a world-widegroup of cranesnumbering 15 species(Meine and Archibald 1996).At leastten of thesespecies have an IUCNRed List category and are subjectto a range of threatsincluding hunting, habitat destruction, urban and agricultural development.

An issueof seriousconcern is the threatposed by introducedpredators, in particularfoxes. In the past,foxes were kept under some control by huntingwhen high prices were being paid for skins (White1983). This resulted in greaterbreeding success forthe Brolga(White 1983) Declining skinprices and lowerhunting pressure (including the introductionof tightergun controls)have resultedin increasedfox numbers.This, in turn,has led to the fox beinga majorthreat to a wide rangeof fauna.Fox predation has beenlisted as a threateningprocess undeithe Flora and FaunaGuarantee Act 1988(Mansergh and Marks 1gg3). Habitatloss has occurred directlythrough drainage schemes and the modificationof flood regimes.There has been an associatedlowering of waterquality through drainage of excess waterintroducing sediments and agriculturalchemicals. Increases in salinitycan changethe speciescomposition and structureof wetlandvegetation, particularly in breedingareas, making themless suitable for Brolgasand otherspecies. For example the disappearanceof frogshas beenattributed to increasingsalinity (Main 1990).

The emphasison engineeringworks to solvesalinity problems in northernareas of Victoriahas beensuggested as a majorcause of the declinein wetlandvalues in the area(DCE 1992). In additionthe extensivedrainage schemes in the south-westof Victoriahave reduced or eliminated extensiveshallow wetland areas (A. Corrickpers. comm.) While birds still frequent areas affected by theseprograms, for examplein the StrathdownieDrainage Trust area, there is an obvious reductionof habitat.In Asiathere is concernthat the reductionin preferredflocking sites by wetlanddrainage causes cranes to concentratein muchlarger numbers in remnantweflands with the potentialfor diseaseas a resultof overcrowding(Harris and Langenberg1gg6).

Therehas been some concern that the SarusCrane Grus antigone may becomethe dominant cranespecies in northernAustralia because of its rapidpopulation growth (Archibald and Swengel1987). Brolgas and SarusCranes have also been recorded to interbreed(Archibald 1975).The long-termimplications of thisare as yet unknown.Should these trends continue, the southernpopulation of the Brolgamay become more important for the longtermsurvival of the soecies.

MajorConservation Objective

The majorconservation objective is to protectthe Victorianpopulations by ensuringthat they can breedsuccessfully to maintainand increasepopulation sizes, and flockat consistenflyused sites withoutdisturbance. Specifically:

To ensurethat wetland areas where Brolgas congregate are securedfrom environmental degradationand Inappropriatedisturbance. a To protectexisting breeding sites from modification and degradation. a To restorea minimumof 50 formerknown breeding wetlands and othersites that have the potentialto be breedingwetlands. a To preventlosses of eggsand chicksby introducedpredators. a To reducethe incidenceof chickand adult mortality by man madestructures. a To monitorthe populationto ensurethat changes can be identifiedat an earlystage.

PreviousManagement Action

Researchon and captivebreeding of Brolgaswas initiatedby the formerFisheries '1960s andWildlife Departmentin the at SerendipWildlife Research Station, with regular successfulartificial inseminationof females.In 1994,14 pairswere maintained while 25 youngwere raised(M. Helmanpers. comm.). A pilotrelease program of thesebirds was commencedin 1995at three sitesin westernVictoria. These sites were either restored or man-madewetlands. About 15-16 of the 25 releasedbirds are knownto be surviving.No furtherbreeding of Brolgasfor releaseto the wildis planned(M. Helman pers. comm.).

Breedingand flocking areas were also monitored by Departmentstaff from the (D. '1970s 1960s White pers.comm.). In the a systematicsurvey of Victoria'swetlands commenced and a classificationsystem was developed(Corrick 1982). Known as the WetlandsDatabase, this was completedin 1993. TheWildlife Act 1975provides for the Ministerto temporarilyclose wetlands to huntingat short notice,for managementpurposes (including the protectionof nestingBrolgas). This action was takenin 1983to protectBrolgas at Two TreeSwamp, Corop (R. Weber pers.comm.).

Somewetlands known to be Brolgabreeding or flockingsites have been reserved for conservationpurposes following the recommendationsof the LandConservation Council's public landreview process begun in 1970,and through government land purchases. These wetlands includeTang Tang Swamp, Moodie Swamp, Gaynor Swamp and Two TreeSwamp (R. Weber pers.comm.).

Between1990 and 1994a wetlandincentives scheme operated under the WetlandConservation Program.Landholders could obtain assistance in the restoration,protection and managementof wetlandson freeholdland. Under this scheme about 100 wetlands were restoredeither by drainagecontrol works or fencingto excludestock. A numberof thesenow providesuitable habitatfor Brolgas,and breedinghas beenrecorded on threeof thesewetlands. (P. Du Guesclin pers.comm.).

The lrusf for Naturehas also supported the conservationof Brolgahabitat with the acquisitionof TomlinsonSwamp in 1996(R. Weber pers comm.).

An educationprogram on Brolgashas been developed at Serendipsanctuary to providethe opportunityfor visitorsto learnabout the species.

IntendedManagement Action Surveyand Monitoring Undertakesurveys during the breedingseason to locatenest sites, describe nesting 1. habitat,document annual breeding dates (nesting, egg laying,hatching and fledging) and determinethe successof a minimumof 20 nestsannually. Countthe numberof adult,juvenile and first year birds at flockingsites each year. 2. Documentthe use of flockingsites during drought or unusualseasons. 3. Storepopulation, breeding and flocking information in the Atlasof VictorianWildlife and 4. otherappropriate databases. Responsibility:NRE (Regions,Parks, Flora and Fauna Division), Parks Victoria Research Undertakebanding program including using colour leg bandsto markyoung Brolgas prior 5. to fledgingat selectedbreeding sites to determinerecruitment and movementto flocking sites. Reviewhistoric data on breedingand flocking sites to determineformer breeding and 6. flockingranges and populationestimates. Responsibility:NRE (Regions,Parks, Flora and FaunaDivision Habitatprotection Pursuethe protectionof a minimumof 100breeding sites and all majorflocking areas. 7. Thiscould be achievedby incorporatingthese sites into conservation covenants or Land for Wildlifeproperties. IncludeBrolga breeding and flockingsites in planningoverlays for localgovernment 8. planningschemes. Examinethe feasibilityof planningcontrols for drainageof wetlandson freeholdland. 9. Establishappropriate grazing regimes and reviewgrazing licences on publicwetland areas 10. containingBrolga breeding sites. Responsibility;NRE (Regions),Catchment Manage ment Authorities, tocat govern ment authorities.Trust for Nature Predatorcontrol Encouragepredator control by landowners/Landcaregroups around breeding wetlands. 11. Responsibility;NRE (Regions),Catchment Management Authorities lmplementpredator control around and on publiclands which are breedingareas. 12. Resp o n si b i I ity; NRE ( Regio n s), Pa rks Victo ri a Communityawareness and involvement Encouragerestoration of shallowand deep freshwater wetlands to increasepotential 13. breedingsites. Provideassistance and managementadvice to landholderswho havebreeding or flocking 14. siteson theirproperties. Encourageand promotethe covenantingof appropriateland through Trust for Natureand 1S. promotewetland conservation through the Land For Wildlifescheme and the Victorian FarmersFederation. Liaisewith other agencies/organisation (eg. Victorian Farmers Federation), to provrde 'uses'. 16. educationand extensionmaterials on valuesof wetlandsand alternative Useappropriate funding schemes (eg. Landcare) to assistlandholders to restoredegraded 17. wetlandstargeting shallow freshwater marshes, with emphasis on thoseareas that support or havepotential to supportthreatened species. Responsibility:NRE (Regions),Catchment Management Authorities, Irust for Nature

References

Archibald,G. W. (1975)The Sarolga. [Unpublished].

Archibald,G. W. (1981)Introducing the Sarolga.Crane Research around the World.Archibald, G. W. & Swengel,S. R. (1987).Comparative ecology and behaviourof EasternSarus Cranes ano Brolgasin Australia.Proc. 1985Crane Workshop.International Crane Foundation.

Arnol,J. D.,White, D. M. & Hastings,l. (1984)Managementof the BrolgaGrusrubicundusin Victoria.Department of Conservation,Forests and Lands,Fisheries and Wildlife Service. Victoria. Tech. Rep. SerlesNo. 5.

Beruldsen,G. (1980)A Field Guideto fhe Nesfsand Eggsof AustratianBftds. Rigby.

Blakers,M., Davies,s. J. J. F. & Reilly,P. N. (1984)The Attasof AustralianBrtds. Royal AustralasianOrnithologists Union, Melbourne University Press: Melbourne.

Campbell,A. J. (1900)Nesfs and Eggsof Australian8r7ds. Wren Publishing,Melbourne. '1974 reprint.

Codd,P. (1992)The EnvironmentalCondition of Waterwaysand Wetlands in the Corangamite SalinityRegion. Background Repoft No. 5to The CorangamiteSalinity Forum.

Corrick,A. H. (1982)Wetlands of Victoria. Wetlandsand Waterbirds Between Port Phittip Bay and MountEmu Creek.Proc. Roy. Soc.Victoria 94: 69-87.

DCE(1992) An assessmentof Victoria'sWetlands.Office of the Environment.Melbourne.

Emison,W.8.,Beardsell, C. M.,Norman, F. 1.,Loyn,. R. H. & Bennett,S. C. (1987)Attasof Victorian8lrds. Departmentof ConservationForests and Landsand the RoyalAustralasian OrnithologistsUnion: Melbourne.

Goldstraw,P. W. & Du Guesclin,P. B. (1991)Bird Casualties from collisions with a 500kv transmissionline in south-westernVictoria, Australia. Proc. 1987lnternational Crane Workshop: 219-24.

Harris,J. & Langenberg,J. (1996)Cranes in a Crowdedworld. The ICF Bugle:22.2 May 1996. International Crane Foundation.

Hill,R. (1992)A Data Baseof BrolgaGrus nlbicufdus Nesf srtesin Victoria.Report to the Deptof Conservationand Environment.August 1992. B pp. (unpublished)

Kevin,P. (1992)Groundwater and SalinityProcesses in The CorangamiteSalinity Control Region.Background Repoft No. 3to The CorangamiteSalinity Forum.

Main,B. Y. (1990)Restoration of biologicalscenarios: the roleof museumcollections. Proc. Ecol. Soc.Ausf. 16: 397-409.

Mansergh,l. & Marks,C, (1993)Predation of NativeWildlife by the lntroducedRed Fox Vulpes vulpes.Action Statement No. 44 Floraand FaunaGuarantee. Department of Conservationand NaturalResources, Victoria.

Marchant,S. & Higgins,P. J. [eds](1993) Handbookof Australian, NewZealand &Antarctic Birds.Vol.2. Oxford University Press, Melbourne.

Meine,Curt D. &. Archibald,G. W. (1996)The CranesS/afus Survey and ConservationAction P/an.IUCN. Gland. Switzerland.

NRE (1998)Atlas of VictorianWildlife (electronic fauna database). Department of Natural Resourcesand Environment:Heidelberg.

NRE (2000)Threatened Vertebrate Fauna in Victoria- 2000.Department of NaturalResources andEnvironment: Melbourne.

SAC(199't) Final Recommendation on a nominationfor listing:Brolga Grus rubicundus (NominationNo. 132).Scientific Advisory Committee, Flora and FaunaGuarantee. Department of Conservationand Environment:Victoria.

White,D. M. (1987)The Statusand Distributionof the Brolgain Victoria,Australia. Proc. 1983 lnternationalCrane Wotushop: 1 15-31.

White,D. M. (1992)1992 Brolga Census. Brolga News: 1.

Compiler

PhillipDu Guesclin,Department of NaturalResources and Environment,Colac

Furtherinformation

Furtherinformation can be obtainedfrom Departmentof NaturalResources and Environment officesin: Alexandra,46 AitkenSt, (03) 5772 0200 Horsham,21 MclachlanSt, (03) 5381 1255 Bairnsdale,7 ServiceSt, (03)5152 0400 Mildura,87- 89 LangtreeAve., (03) 5022 3000 Ballarat,cnr Mairand DovertonSts, (03) Orbost,171-173 Nicholson St, (03)5161 53336782 1222 Benalla,35 SydneyRd, (03) 57611611 Portland,8 JuliaSt, (03) 55233232 Bendigo,1 TaylorSt, Epsom,(03) 5430 Traralgon,71 HothamSt, (03) 51722111 4444 Box Hill,30 ProspectSt, (03) 9296 4400 Warrnambool,T6-78Henna St, (03)5561 9950 Colac,83 GellibrandSt, (03)5233 5533 Wodonga,1 McKoySt, (02)6055 6111 Geelong,cnr Fenwickand Lt MalopSts, (03) Yarram,310 Commercial Rd, (03) 5182 5226 4667 5155 orfromParksFloraandFaunaDivision,POBox500,EastMelbourne3002,tel:(03)94124175

This Action Statementhas been preparedunder section 19 of the Flora and Fauna i GuaranteeAct 1988under delegationfrom ChtoeMunro, Secretary, Department of Naturatl Resourcesand Environment, i I