National Malleefowl Recovery Group

Our Research & Conservation Projects

From citizen science monitoring spanning four decades to cutting-edge genetics and remote sensing, the NMRG runs a diverse portfolio of projects — all aimed at one goal: understanding and recovering the Malleefowl.

Volunteer monitoring a malleefowl mound
Citizen Science · 37+ years

Malleefowl Annual Monitoring Program

One of the largest single-species monitoring programs in Australia. Hundreds of volunteers across WA, SA, VIC and NSW survey more than 3,800 mounds every year using a standardised national protocol, feeding data into a central database that tracks population trends across the species' entire range.

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Malleefowl captured on camera trap
Camera Trapping

Camera Trap Studies: Habitat Links & Restored Habitat

Using motion-sensor cameras to find out how often Malleefowl use habitat corridors and areas of restored vegetation — vital information for designing effective landscape connectivity.

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Feral fox in the field
Adaptive Management

Adaptive Management Predator Experiment

A replicated experiment across multiple states testing whether controlling foxes and feral cats leads to measurable improvements in Malleefowl breeding activity — with rigorous paired treatment and control sites.

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LiDAR habitat map
Remote Sensing

LiDAR Benchmarking & Habitat Modelling

Applying airborne LiDAR to detect Malleefowl mounds from above and model the vegetation structure that defines prime breeding habitat — particularly in the vast Murchison and Coolgardie bioregions of WA.

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Malleefowl in scrubland
Genetics · Conservation

Sustaining Genetic Health of Isolated Populations

Examining inbreeding and genetic diversity in small, fragmented Malleefowl populations — and developing targeted genetic rescue strategies to give isolated groups a long-term future.

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Malleefowl live camera mound
Live Camera · Outreach

Malleefowl Live Camera

A solar-powered field camera pointed at an active Malleefowl mound, streaming live so anyone can watch incubation behaviour in real time — bringing this elusive species into living rooms across Australia.

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