Welcome to the project page for malleefowl monitoring in the Murraylands and Riverland! The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is calling for volunteers to help monitor one of Australia’s most remarkable birds.
What is the malleefowl monitoring project?
The Murraylands and Riverland is one of the most important regions in Australia for malleefowl conservation, with more active monitoring sites than anywhere else in the country. These shy, ground-dwelling birds are nationally listed as vulnerable, and while they can be difficult to spot, their large nesting mounds make it possible to track their breeding activity.
For over 30 years, the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board has been part of the National Malleefowl Monitoring Program, contributing vital data that helps us understand how the species is faring and what factors influence its survival. This work is only possible thanks to dedicated volunteers, who are the backbone of the program.
Every mound checked and every bit of data collected is a valuable piece of the puzzle – helping to protect one of Australia’s most iconic birds and contributing to nationally significant research.
When and where will malleefowl monitoring take place?
Malleefowl monitoring for this season will take place from mid-October until December 2025 at sites nearby to Murray Bridge, through the Murray Mallee to Lameroo and north to the Riverland and beyond.
Indicative locations of this year’s monitoring sites are on the map below.
What are my requirements as a volunteer?
No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to work outdoors, and an interest in wildlife conservation. Training and guidance will be provided, and surveys are conducted in pairs or small groups.
The activity does require a reasonable amount of walking. We can tailor the activity to individual fitness levels to some extent, but a basic requirement would be that you are capable of walking a few kilometres off track in mallee vegetation.
What to bring
Bring your lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Wear sun protection i.e. sunscreen, broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants (to protect you from spikey vegetation and possible snakes) and comfortable, sturdy, closed footwear. Bring your camera/phone, binoculars if you have them, and a sense of adventure!
What not to bring
Pets, especially dogs, are not permitted. Domestic animals can disturb native fauna causing them to abandon nests even by their scent. Also, dogs are vulnerable to poisoning if they take a bait used on some of these properties to manage exotic predators.
Will I need my own car?
You will need to arrange your own transportation. In most cases, you’ll be able to meet at the monitoring site or arranged meeting place and then travel in convoy, depending on where you are coming from. Depending on the weather and your vehicle, you may need to park at the property boundary, unless you have a 4WD. You do not need a 4WD, nor any specialist driving skills, activities will be rescheduled in inclement weather.
Communications
Please do not assume that you will always have cellular phone
service available, it will be intermittent at best in many of the sites. The
field party will be equipped with satellite communication devices in case of
emergency.
How do I register to volunteer?
Click a location pin on the map below where you’ll find the site name, number and location/access details.
Once you have determined which site/s you would like to volunteer at, please fill out the below form. You can select more than one site in the form.
Alternatively, you can contact Chris Fulton via christopher.fulton@sa.gov.au or 0437 518 797.
Volunteer registration form
Monitoring sites
On the map below are the 14 malleefowl monitoring sites. Click on a location pin to view the location name, proposed monitoring dates and details for accessing the site.
