Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Amytornis striatus howei
Gazetted date:
05 Aug 2022
Profile last updated:
03 May 2024
Description
The Murray Mallee Striated Grasswren is similar in appearance to the related fairy-wrens (Malurus spp.), though significantly larger in size (14.5 - 18.5 centimetres). It has a slender bill and long tail and is blackish-brown in colour. The upperparts are a soft reddish-brown, with white streaks while the underparts are buff with heavy white streaking on the breast. The eyebrow is rufous-brown and a heavy black whisker-streak is present. The throat is white, the bill blackish or grey and legs bluish-grey. The tail is long and held cocked and is blackish-brown in colour. The sexes differ slightly in plumage with the female having pale chestnut flanks.
Distribution
The Murray Mallee striated grasswren occurs in New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria. In NSW recent records are in the Murray Mallee region and restricted to Scotia and Tarawi in the west.
Habitat and ecology
- Confined to areas with well-developed Porcupine Grass (Triodia irritans), usually in association with mallee eucalypts and sandy soils.
- Is known to reoccuppy burnt vegetation 6 to 8 years following fire and prefers areas with large hummocks of spinifex which is greatest 25 to 40 years post-fire.
- Feeds on the ground upon small invertebrates and seeds.
- Nests are a substantial dome of interwoven grasses, bark and spinifex, well-hidden towards the top of a spinifex clump.
- Usually recorded in pairs, though sometimes in small parties, and first often detected by its call. Can be shy and difficult to observe, though may also be inquisitive and respond to observers, particularly during the breeding season.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Risk of large-scale intense wildfire reducing habitat and resource availability and infrequent fire impacting the structural suitability of habitat.
- Overgrazing and browsing from feral goats impacting habitat structure, condition, and resources for foraging and breeding. This threat is exacerbated after fire and during drought periods.
- Habitat degradation and loss due to overgrazing and burrowing by rabbits.
- Overgrazing and browsing from both domestic stock (e.g. Dorper and Merino sheep) and goats (both feral and commercial) impacting habitat structure, condition, and resources for foraging and breeding. This threat is exacerbated after fire and during drought.
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Increased predation risk from introduced predators (cats and foxes), especially after fire (reducing suitable vegetation cover with birds occupying lower quality habitat within refugia).
Increased predation risk from introduced predators (cats and foxes), especially after fire (reducing suitable vegetation cover with birds occupying lower quality habitat within refugia).
- Small and declining population size susceptible to demographic threats and stochastic events. The NSW population is estimated to be only a few hundred individuals.
- Clearing of habitat for agriculture and grazing.
Recovery strategies
Priority actions are the specific, practical things that must be done to recover a threatened species, population or ecological
community. The Office of Environment and Heritage has identified
0 priority actions
to help recover the Murray Mallee Striated Grasswren in New South Wales.
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