Ninety-eight-year-old Jil Jil farmer George Cullinan has recently made a huge contribution to protecting one of the world’s most endangered birds. 

Following the discovery of critically endangered Plains-wanderers on his property, George volunteered to protect 91 ha of native grassland on his property permanently through Trust for Nature. 

These ground-dwelling birds depend on native grasslands, of which more than 90 per cent have been cleared for agriculture and development. One of the birds’ last major strongholds are the grasslands of northern Victoria. There are estimated to be fewer than 1,000 birds remaining in the wild. 

Plains-wanderers were recorded on George’s property by song meters monitored by Trust for Nature and the Birchip Landcare Group, supported by the Mallee Catchment Management Authority through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program. The data were analysed through a citizen science program coordinated by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. 

“The call of a Plains-wanderer sounds a bit like the ‘moo’ of a cow. When we showed George the recordings he said it was the best news he had heard in a long time, and he was overjoyed that his paddocks were being used by these birds,” said David Dore, Trust for Nature North-west Area Manager. 

“George’s paddocks are attractive to Plains-wanderers because of the mix of native grasses and shrubs that continue to grow because they haven’t been cultivated for a long time. The birds prefer open, tussocky grassland that they can run through without obstruction.” 

George has protected the grassland on his property with a conservation covenant through Trust for Nature, a permanent, legally binding agreement that prevents activities that might damage native habitat. Registered on the property title, the covenant will continue to protect the Plains-wanderer habitat when the land changes ownership. 

George has cared for the health of native grassland by controlling foxes and rabbits, which are two of the biggest threats to the Plains-wanderer – and now by protecting his property forever. 

“When we presented him with his covenant, George told us, ‘As long as the little birds are alright, that’s the main thing'”, said David. 

Trust for Nature is working landholders, local communities and Traditional Owners in northern Victoria to protect Plains-wanderer habitat, supported by partnerships with ENEL Green Power Australia, Country Road Climate Fund, Catchment Management Authorities, the Australian Government and the Victorian Government.   

To date the organisation has protected over 2,000 ha of habitat in northern Victoria for Plains-wanderers and other threatened grassland species.

Media contacts 

Josephine Smart, Communications & Marketing Manager, josies@tfn.org.au