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Carpentarian Grasswren
Amytornis dorotheae
Australia's Threatened Species Category
Endangered
Listed since: Wed May 04 2016 14:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
IUCN's Threatened Species Category
Vulnerable
Listed since: 1/24/2022
Population trend: Decreasing
Other names: None
Priority Species? No
The Australian government's Threatened Species Action Plan 2022-2032 selected over 100 priority species derived from consultation with threatened species experts and the wider community. While all species are important, focusing on a limited number of species can help target effort and resources so that outcomes can be achieved, measured and shared.
Description
The Carpentarian Grasswren is a rufous-brown, medium-sized grasswren which is endemic to the southern Gulf of Carpentaria region. They are confined to sandstone outcrops in mature spinifex hummock grassland. They are both insectivourous and granivorous and forage for seeds and insects on the ground. They build bulky domed nests using dry spinifex stems and leaves.
Threats
Fire is key to the future of the Carpentarian Grasswren. Grasswren have adapted to an indigenous-managed fire regime of frequent, patchy and low-itensity fires. Grasswrens normally abandon burnt areas, unless substantial unburnt pockets of spinifex remain.
Quollity Conservation Hub's Overall Priority Score
60
Average life span:
Number of young produced each year:
Number of breeding events each year:
> 5yrs and < 10yrs
Couple (2-3)
One
Minimum sexual maturity age:
2 - 3yrs
Who is helping?
Useful links for more detailed information on this species
DCCEEW - Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
SPRAT - DCCEEW Species Profile and Threats Database
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