Green Catbird (c) R.Steven
I wrote this piece as my first contribution to the BirdLife Southern Queensland newsletter ‘Warbler’. Sadly, I still haven’t managed to visit this site, but I hope this will inspire you to check it out if you are in the area.
As I proceeded to write this piece about the Conondale Range Important Bird Area (now known as a Key Biodiversity Area) I felt rather shameful, because I have not actually visited the area myself. Perhaps it is that mental aversion south-siders have to venturing north of Brisbane City; much like that same aversion north-siders have venturing to the south. Anyhow, who am I to be writing about a key site for our beautiful birds in Southern Queensland when I haven’t even been there? Well I have a few justifications; firstly, I love birds just like you, and even though I have not been to the Conondale Range IBA I have an inherent respect for how important it is; second, I know a little bit about the IBAs both here in Australia and further afield as my current research is directly interested in the IBA program and the potential for bird tourism to play a role in highlighting the importance of the IBA network; and finally, in the 21st century we are very fortunate that many people share their experiences of birding trips and destinations on the internet for everyone to be inspired by, therefore I will also draw on the experiences shared by others here.
The Conondale Range IBA was included in the national IBA network due to the presence of threshold populations of the following trigger species; Black-breasted Buttonquail [Turnix melanogaster] (Criteria A1, A2 & A3); Green Catbird [Ailuroedus crassirostris] (Criteria A2 & A3); Regent Bowerbird [Sericulus chrysocephalus] (Criteria A2 & A3); Australian Logrunner [Orthonyx temminckii] (Criteria A3) [For IBA Criteria definitions see previous page]. The site is thought to hold the northern most population of the endangered Eastern Bristlebird, however not at the threshold required to be a trigger species. The population of Eastern Bristlebird is so small (and thus at risk), that BirdLife asks on the IBA profile that birders do not target this species on birdwatching trips due to its susceptibility to disturbance!
Australian Logrunner (c) R.Steven
The Conondale Range IBA is located 125km north-east of Brisbane, and covers an area of approximately 162,155 hectares less than half of which (41.7%) is captured within formal protected areas. The ecosystems present comprise rainforest, wet eucalypt and open eucalypt forests. Forestry plantations appear to be a major component of the habitat also. According to the IBA’s profile on the BirdLife IBA Data zone, those areas that do overlap with protected areas are relatively well connected, despite being intersected and somewhat fragmented by agricultural lands. Furthermore, there are neighbouring state owned and private blocks that may meet IBA criteria, but are in need of survey data to confirm eligibility. Perhaps local members and interested parties could look into this as a way to engage with the community living around the IBA, to increase awareness of the site’s importance and the IBA network in general.
Tim Dolby relays a birding trip to the SEQ region, which included a visit to the Conondale Range, albeit a very short one night stop, much to his apparent frustration. He speaks of the Eastern Bristlebird and the Coxen’s Fig-parrot, both of which appear to have eluded him (surprising?...not really). Such is the life of a birder! A blog on the Birding-Aus site speaks of being greeted at the Conondale National Park by a flock of 40 or more Topknot Pigeons, Regent Bowerbird and Paradise Riflebird in a fig tree and White-eared and Black-faced Monarch also nearby. Clearly, I really need to get my act together and get some birding in at this place!
Given the move by BirdLife International to recognise IBAs as Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (previously Important Bird Areas), it seems only right to acknowledge some of the amazing biodiversity our beloved birds share this IBA with. In fact, when you say Conondale Range to many in the nature-loving world (particularly the conservation types), often the first thing that comes to mind is frogs. Yes, frogs! Sadly, it was among the last known sites for two species now thought extinct (Southern Gastric Brooding-frog [Rheobatrachus silus] and Southern Day Frog [Taudactylus diurnis]). The IBA is home to several other species of threatened or rare frog (According to Qld Nature Conservation Act 1992), including;
Giant Barred Frog [Mixophyes iterates] (endangered)
Fleay's Barred Frog [Mixophyes fleayi] (endangered)
Tusked Frog [Adelotus brevis] (vulnerable)
Cascade Treefrog [Litoria pearsoniana] (vulnerable)
Pouched Frog [Assa darlingtoni] (rare)
Green-thighed Frog [Litoria brevipalmata] (rare)
As you can see, the Conondale Range IBA is a treasure that is worthy of inclusion in the globally renowned IBA program. Why not make a trip to the region and enjoy all it has to offer in the near future. Don’t forget to tell the locals you are there to watch birds, so they can see how birding can be good for their community as well!