Critically endangered plains-wanderer discovered in unexpected South Australian habitat, shocking scientists

Female Plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) spotted in Deniliquin, New South Wales, Australia. (Image: JJ Harrison)

For decades, scientists thought the tiny Plains-wanderer only lived in sparse native grasslands. But researchers in South Australia have discovered hundreds of these elusive birds thriving in an unexpected habitat.

Researchers track 'Goldilocks' bird in new habitat
A University of Adelaide team recorded 272 Plains-wanderers on Boolcoomatta Station Reserve, about 100km west of Broken Hill. The bird, often called the "Goldilocks of grasslands", had fewer than 90 sightings in South Australia over the last century.

PhD candidate Saskia Gerhardy said finding so many birds was astonishing. "It was a surprise to find one, let alone 272," she said.

Researchers fitted the birds with tiny GPS trackers shaped like miniature backpacks. The devices revealed that the Plains-wanderers were choosing low, open shrublands dominated by prickly Sclerolaena plants.

The bird avoids grasslands and selects open shrublands
The finding challenges the long-held belief that Plains wanderers rely only on grasslands. "We found the birds avoided grassed regions as they were too dense," Gerhardy said. "Vegetation structure, not plant species alone, is the key factor in their habitat."

This suggests the birds may be "compositional specialists" rather than pure grassland specialists. The shift could open new opportunities for conservation efforts across South Australia’s arid interior.

Conservation groups call discovery a major boost
The research was conducted on Adnyamathanha and Wilyakali Country, managed by Bush Heritage Australia since 2006. The group’s South Australian rangelands manager, Graeme Finlayson, called the discovery a huge step for conservation.

"Before this project we only detected them in ones and twos," Finlayson said. "Now finding more than 250 on the reserve is incredible."

Scientists say the overlooked populations could be vital for the survival of the critically endangered species. Peripheral groups may hold unique traits and act as a buffer against future environmental changes.