Community Information Session - Bush stone-curlews

Phillip Island Nature Parks will hold a Community Information Session on Saturday July 20 to help inform key stakeholders and the community about conservation efforts towards protecting the bush stone-curlew in south-eastern Victoria.

The session, at 10.30am at the Koala Conservation Centre, will include a presentation, a visit to the bush stone-curlew aviaries and give the community an opportunity to ask questions.

Alternatively, there will be two online sessions (45 mins) via Zoom on Thursday July 25 at 5pm and Tuesday July 30 at 5pm. To join, email community@penguins.org.au and a link will be provided.

About the bush stone-curlew

Identified as a priority species for reintroduction in the Threatened Species Plan, the bush stone-curlew is a ground dwelling, nocturnal bird with prominent yellow eyes, grey-brown colouring on its upper region with a white belly and black streaks.

Known for its long legs and resounding call, bush stone-curlews were once found throughout most of Australia and were last seen on Phillip Island in the 1970s. With numbers reducing drastically in south-eastern regions, the species is now Critically Endangered in Victoria.

Future conservation efforts

The Threatened Species Plan has been developed through a structured decision-making process in consultation with a diverse range of key stakeholders involved in living with and managing threatened species on Phillip Island. The bush stone-curlew was recognised as a priority species and was selected as a great candidate for reintroduction to Phillip Island because it would positively benefit the ecosystem and would not pose any threat to stakeholders. 

The implementation of the Threatened Species Plan is a long-term commitment by the Nature Parks and any programs that are undertaken will need community support and involvement to be successful. Engagement with the community will take place through information sessions with our conservation team, and we will look for opportunities for community involvement as part of each project.

Visit the bush stone-curlews and learn more about the species at The Koala Conservation Reserve, which is proudly home to five of these birds following successful breeding with captive pairs.

For more information or to volunteer as a Curlew Custodian, visit: Bush Stone-Curlew Reintroduction " Phillip Island Nature Parks (penguins.org.au)

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