Protecting threatened species begins with understanding the habitats they depend on.
Join Noosa & District Landcare for an insightful Landcare Link-Up exploring the unique heathland ecosystems that support one of Southeast Queensland’s most elusive and endangered birds — the Eastern Ground Parrot (EGP).
Presented by University of the Sunshine Coast PhD candidate Lana Prior, this session will showcase innovative research combining traditional ecological knowledge with emerging technologies to better understand Eastern Ground Parrot habitat and improve conservation outcomes.
The Eastern Ground Parrot is renowned for its cryptic behaviour and highly effective camouflage, making it notoriously difficult to detect in the wild. Lana’s research integrates local knowledge of parrot calling behaviour with high-resolution drone imagery, vegetation mapping and environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques to identify critical habitat areas and improve monitoring methods for this threatened species.
Attendees will learn:
- Why heathland ecosystems are critical for Eastern Ground Parrot survival
- How drone-based vegetation mapping is transforming habitat assessment
- The role of environmental DNA in threatened species research
- Challenges associated with monitoring rare and cryptic wildlife
- How new technologies can improve conservation outcomes in national parks
Funded through the National Parks Association Queensland Jim Cuthbertson Grant, the project aims to develop more effective monitoring approaches for threatened species while minimising impacts on sensitive habitats.
Lana has worked with Eastern Ground Parrots since 2018, including volunteering with Coolum and North Shore Coast Care. Despite years of surveys, she has only observed two Eastern Ground Parrots in Noosa National Park, highlighting the challenge of studying this remarkable species. Her research offers valuable insights into the future of wildlife monitoring and conservation across Southeast Queensland.
Whether you are interested in bird conservation, ecology, technology, citizen science or local environmental management, this presentation provides a fascinating glimpse into the cutting edge of threatened species research.
Register via the link below!