In the stillness of the night on Phillip Island, a sound not heard for half a century is once again piercing the air.
For the first time in 50 years, the distinctive and ghostlike wails of this nocturnal animal are captivating locals and visitors alike, marking a significant milestone in the species’ conservation.
Though these seemingly ghostly cries may be terrifying for others, they are actually a welcome sound on the island. Conservationists have worked hard to make this possible for years and now see the fruits of their labour.
The ‘haunting’ cries of the bush stone-curlew, a bird with a call as eerie as the Australian outback itself, are echoing across this picturesque island off Australia’s south coast.
The bush stone-curlew, while relatively common in the northern parts of Australia, is a rare sight in Victoria, where it is critically endangered.
With fewer than 100 individuals estimated to be living in the wild across a small area in the state’s northwest, the bird’s presence on Phillip Island is a beacon of hope for conservationists.
A trial release of 12 captive-bred bush stone-curlews on the island has been hailed a success, with an impressive 75 per cent survival rate.
This outcome is particularly noteworthy given the precarious status of the species in Victoria. The absence of foxes on Phillip Island, which has allowed its famous little penguin colony to thrive, offers a safe haven for ground-dwelling birds like the curlew.
Paula Wasiak, a dedicated Australian National University PhD researcher, recently revealed the efforts to bolster the curlew population.
As she worked to catch 24 more birds for release, she described their unique survival tactic: ‘They have a unique behaviour where they camouflage themselves by pretending to be a log. It’s quite hard for us to find the birds… catching them is taking a lot longer than expected.’
The eerie calls of the bush stone-curlew have not gone unnoticed by the island’s residents. Some locals have reported hearing the bird’s cry, which has been likened to a human scream, from nearly a kilometre away.
Wasiak herself finds the call endearing despite its chilling reputation. ‘People say it’s a haunting call, but I quite like it. It’s unique,’ she said.
The reintroduction of the bush stone-curlew to Phillip Island is a collaborative effort between ANU, Phillip Island Nature Parks, and the Odonata Foundation.
Each bird released is fitted with a radio tracking device, allowing researchers to monitor their progress and adapt conservation strategies as needed.
Unfortunately, while the birds have managed to evade predation by domestic pets, they face another human-related threat: vehicle strikes.
With millions of tourists visiting the island annually, the risk of road accidents is a constant concern for the island’s wildlife.
Phillip Island’s rich biodiversity and the return of the bush stone-curlew are reminders of the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation.
The island, which is also the site of the Australian motorcycle grand prix, has a small permanent human population but is a magnet for tourists drawn to its natural wonders.
The bush stone-curlew’s rarity extends beyond Victoria, with the species also listed as endangered in New South Wales and South Australia. The last time anyone recalls seeing the bird on Phillip Island was in the 1970s, making this recent resurgence all the more extraordinary.
For those inspired by the story of the bush stone-curlew and wishing to contribute to its conservation, donations can be made through the Penguin Foundation website.
The return of their ‘haunting’ calls is not just a win for the species but a triumph for the concerted efforts of conservationists and the community.
As we celebrate Australia’s weird and wonderful environment, we invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you heard the bush stone-curlew’s call, or do you have a story about wildlife conservation that has touched your heart?
Also read: ‘Return’ of the dire wolf is an impressive feat of genetic engineering, not a reversal of extinction
