Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Recovery Plan— Turnix melanogaster) Instrument 2023

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Commonwealth Coat of Arms of Australia

 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Recovery Plan— Turnix melanogaster) Instrument 2023

We jointly make a recovery plan under subsection 269A(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, titled:

National Recovery Plan for the Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster), Commonwealth of Australia 2022

 

 

Dated                  4 February 2023

 

 

 

 

Tanya Plibersek

Minister for the Environment and Water (Commonwealth)

 

 

 

 

Dated                   8 March 2023

 

 

 

 

Meaghan Scanlon

Minister for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef (Queensland)

 

 

 

 

 

1   Name

  This instrument is the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (Recovery Plan— Turnix melanogaster) Instrument 2023.

2 Commencement

  This instrument commences on the day after it is registered.

3    Authority

  This instrument is made under subsection 269A(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

 

Cover image: Australian Government Crest. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Queensland Government Logo and an image of Adult female Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) (© Patrick T.D. Webster).

National Recovery Plan for Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster)

 

 

The Species Profile and Threats Database pages linked to this recovery plan is obtainable from:
www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/sprat.pl

© Copyright Commonwealth of Australia, 2022

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National Recovery Plan for Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) is licensed by the Commonwealth of Australia for use under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence with the exception of the Coat of Arms of the Commonwealth of Australia, the logo of the agency responsible for publishing the report, content supplied by third parties, and any images depicting people. For licence conditions see: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This report should be attributed as ‘National Recovery Plan for Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster), Commonwealth of Australia 2022’.

The Commonwealth of Australia has made all reasonable efforts to identify content supplied by third parties using the following format ‘© Copyright, <name of third party>’.

Disclaimer

While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are factually correct, the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be occasioned directly or indirectly through the use of, or reliance on, the contents of this publication.

Images credits

Cover page: Adult female Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) (© Patrick T.D. Webster).

Table of Contents 

Acronyms

1. Summary

 Species description, distribution and habitat

 Recovery Plan Vision, Objective, and Strategies:

 Criteria for success

 Recovery team

2. Introduction

 Conservation status

 Taxonomy

 Species description

 Species distribution in Australia

 Population trends

 Cultural and community significance

 Relevant biology and ecology

 Habitat critical to the survival

3. Threats

 Historical causes of decline

 Current threatening processes

 Threat prioritisation

4. Populations under particular pressure

5. Vision, Objectives and Strategies

 Long-term Vision

 Recovery Plan Objectives

 Strategies to achieve objectives

6. Actions to achieve the specific objectives

7. Duration and cost of the recovery process

8. Effects on other native species and biodiversity benefits

9. Social and economic considerations

10. Affected interests

11. Consultation

12. Organisations and persons involved in evaluating the performance of the plan

13. References

 

Acronyms

 

 

1. Summary

Common name: Black-breasted Button-quail

Scientific name: Turnix melanogaster

Family:

Turnicidae

Current status of taxon: 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth): Vulnerable

Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Qld): Vulnerable

Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (NSW): Critically Endangered

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Near Threatened

Species description, distribution and habitat

The Black-breasted Button-quail is a relatively large, plump, white-eyed button-quail which ranges in size from 16–19 cm in length. It has a grey bill and bright yellow legs. The plumage is of a brown, black, white and grey complexion. The chest is black with half-moon markings in white. The distinguishing feature between the male and female is that the male has a white face and throat while the female has a black face and throat. The juvenile bird resembles the male but is slightly duller in colouration.

At least 90% of Black-breasted Button-quail habitat (subtropical and dry rainforests) had been cleared by the late 1960s (Hamley et al. 1997). The core population of the Black-breasted Button-quail is now considered to be confined to south-eastern Queensland from near Byfield in the north to the Border Ranges in the south, and as far west as Palmgrove National Park and Barakula State Forest. The species may now be locally extinct in New South Wales (DPIE 2021a). Many occupied patches of habitat are widely separated, either naturally by open forest, on islands or artificially by cleared agricultural land. However, there are sufficient records of vagrants (e.g. Smyth et al. 2001), including in small islands of habitat, to suggest that mobility is not constrained and that there is a single dispersed population (Webster et al. 2021).

The species’ preferred habitats include vine thickets, softwood scrubs, bottle tree scrubs, vine scrub regrowth, Lantana (Lantana camara) and other shrubs under mature plantations of Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii), and Acacia and Austromyrtus scrubs on sandy coastal soils. Small groups of button-quails search in the leaf litter for invertebrates and seeds (Webster et al. 2019; Webster et al. 2021) and presence of their feeding scrapes may reveal occurrence at sites. A deep, well-developed and extensive leaf-litter layer is preferred for foraging, though birds also occur where litter is shallow and discontinuous, including seasonally (e.g. during very wet spells when much litter washes away) and locally (e.g. at some sandier coastal sites) (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022).

Recovery Plan Vision, Objective, and Strategies:

Long-term vision

The Black-breasted Button-quail population size and area of occupancy has increased to such an extent that the species no longer qualifies for listing as threatened under any of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listing criteria.

Recovery plan objectives

By 2032, maintain and improve the extent, condition and connectivity of habitat of the Black-breasted Button-quail.

By 2032, demonstrably reduce the severity of identified anthropogenic threats across the extent of the species’ range.

By 2032, achieve, measure and sustain a stable or positive trend in area of occupancy and population size (assessed by new baseline counts) in the number of mature individuals of the Black-breasted Button-quail.

This will be achieved by implementing the actions set out in this recovery plan that minimise threats while protecting and enhancing the species’ habitat throughout its range, adequately monitoring the species, generating new knowledge to guide recovery actions and increasing public awareness.

Strategies to achieve objectives

1. Implement management strategies to reduce threats to the Black-breasted Button-quail and its habitat.
2. Enhance protection, improve the quality and increase the extent of suitable habitat for the Black-breasted Button-quail.
3. Improve knowledge of the distribution, biology and ecology of the Black-breasted Button-quail through targeted research and implement a monitoring strategy to identify and measure population trends.
4. Increase stakeholder participation in Black-breasted Button-quail conservation and management.
5. Coordinate, review and report on recovery progress.

Criteria for success

This recovery plan will be deemed successful if, within 10 years, all of the following have been achieved:

• The Black-breasted Button-quail population has been adequately monitored and the trends in the area of occupancy and population size are shown to have changed from declining to increasing, as a result of recovery actions.
• Threats within the range of the Black-breasted Button-quail are managed, and reduced to avoid or mitigate impacts on the species.
• There has been an improvement in the quality and extent of Black-breasted Button-quail habitat throughout, and at the extremities, of the species’ range and a network of sites is protected and managed for the species.
• Understanding of the species’ ecology has increased, in particular knowledge of movement patterns, habitat use, the impact of threatening processes and breeding ecology.
• There is increased participation by key stakeholders and the public in recovery efforts and monitoring.

Recovery team

Recovery teams provide advice and assist in coordinating actions described in recovery plans. They include representatives from organisations with a direct interest in the recovery of the species, including those involved in funding and those participating in actions that support the recovery of the species. The Black-breasted Button-quail Recovery Team has the responsibility of providing advice, coordinating and directing the implementation of the recovery actions outlined in this recovery plan. The membership of the recovery team includes individuals from relevant government agencies, non-government organisations, Traditional Owners, industry groups and expertise from independent researchers and community groups.

2. Introduction

This document constitutes the ‘National Recovery Plan for Black-breasted Button-quail (Turnix melanogaster).’ The plan considers the conservation requirements of the species across its range and identifies the actions to be taken to ensure the species’ long-term viability in nature, and the parties that will undertake those actions.

This recovery plan supersedes the previous recovery plan (Mathieson & Smith 2009) that was adopted under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in November 2009. 

The previous Black-breasted Button-quail recovery plan (Mathieson & Smith 2009) was reviewed in January 2021 by the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. The review noted that since the adoption of the recovery plan in 2009, a small amount of progress had been made in facilitating the conservation of the species. Most effort was directed towards defining and mapping habitat and developing species- specific survey methods. However, most actions were still to be initiated, or progress on these actions could not be tracked. Many of the actions identified in the recovery plan were still deemed relevant for recovering the species. The review noted that lack of on-ground investment was the primary limiting factor in achieving the stated objectives. Success of the recovery plan was also limited by the availability of knowledgeable and experienced personnel to undertake recovery actions.

The review determined that the actions required to conserve and promote recovery of the species include short- and long-term activities that need to be coordinated at a landscape/regional level with a range of stakeholder groups. The review concluded a new recovery plan should be developed for the Black-breasted Button-quail. The Black-breasted Button-quail recovery plan is available from: www.environment.gov.au

Accompanying Species Profile and Threats Database (SPRAT) pages provide background information on the biology, population status and threats to the species. SPRAT pages are available from: http://environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=923

Conservation status

The Black-breasted Button-quail is a listed threatened species under the EPBC Act. The species is also listed under state legislation (Table 1).

The species was eligible for listing under the EPBC Act as on 16 July 2000 it was listed as Vulnerable under Schedule 1 of the preceding Act, the Endangered Species Protection Act 1992 (Cwlth).

 

Table 1:  National and state conservation status of the Black-breasted Button-quail

Taxonomy

Conventionally accepted as Turnix melanogaster (Gould 1837).

Species description

The Black-breasted Button-quail is a relatively large, plump, white-eyed button-quail. Males are about 18 cm long, with a wingspan of 32–35 cm, and weigh approximately 65-80 g. Females are larger, measuring up to 19 cm and weighing up to 150 g (Marchant & Higgins 1993; P Webster unpublished data). The sexes differ in plumage and no seasonal variation has been documented. Males have finely patterned backs and wings with brown, black, grey and white mottling. The face and throat are whitish with streaks across the face, and the breast is black with numerous white half-moon markings. The female is similar in all respects except for having a black face and throat, a larger dark area over the upper and lower breast with heavier white half-moon markings. The bill is grey, and the legs are bright yellow. Juveniles resemble males but are duller (Marchant & Higgins 1993).

Males, juveniles and immature birds may be confused with the Painted Button-quail (Turnix varius), which sometimes occur in both the drier and moister parts of the environment occupied by Black-breasted Button quail (Marchant & Higgins 1993). The dark breast and white eye of the Black-breasted Button-quail are features which can be used to separate the two species.

The species’ eggs are shiny grey-white or buff splotched with dark brown-black and lavender. The eggs measure 28 mm x 23 mm.  

Adult female Black-breasted Button-quail © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Adult female Black-breasted Button-quail © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Species distribution in Australia

Black-breasted Button-quails are now thought to be confined to south-eastern Queensland from near Byfield (central Queensland) in the north to the Border Ranges in the south and as far west as Palmgrove National Park and Barakula State Forest (Figure 1). The species also occurs in the Brigalow Belt and in part of the Central Queensland Coast bioregion at Byfield-Yeppoon (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022). While they may now be locally extinct from New South Wales (DPIE 2021; Webster et al. 2021), their range may extend further north (e.g., within similar coastal-dune vine scrub habitat in Shoalwater Bay) as historical records from Queensland’s Wet Tropics (Le Souef 1897; Bravery 1970) are not necessarily implausible given that Spotted Quail-thrushes (Cinclosoma punctatum) remained undetected in the region until recently (Webster et al. 2021).

Many occupied patches of suitable habitat are widely separated, either naturally by open forest, on islands or artificially by cleared agricultural land. Given the extent of loss of vine thicket vegetation and other Black-breasted Button-quail habitat (up to 90%, as suggested in Hamley et al. 1997), the species’ distribution was thought to be fragmented (TSSC 2015). However, Webster et al. (2021) state that there are sufficient records of vagrants (e.g. Smyth et al. 2001), including on small coastal islands, to suggest that mobility is unconstrained and that there is a single dispersed population. Their apparent absence from a 40-hectare site at Redwood Park in south-east Queensland for several months in some years, suggests some movements may be regular in years of similar rainfall (RP Jaensch unpublished, cited in Webster et al. 2021). However, seasonal movements have not been documented in other populations (P Webster pers. comm. 2022). Further studies are needed to determine if such seasonal movements are common in other Black-breasted Button-quail populations.

Recent targeted camera trapping surveys in the Great Sandy Region collectively - K’gari (Fraser Island), Cooloola and Inskip Peninsula – demonstrated the species’ presence in littoral forest along the eastern coast of K’gari (Fraser Island) and Cooloola (Webster et al. 2021a). This suggests Black-breasted Button-quail could be widely distributed along the east coast of the Great Sandy Region and in a few isolated inland sites (Webster et al. 2021a).

The species is also known to occur in coastal vine scrub north of Yeppoon (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022). In New South Wales, suitable habitat remains in the western Border Ranges, Richmond Range, Koreelah and Tooloom Ranges and in the Mt Warning caldera area and associated ranges, but the species has not been reliably recorded since 1995 (Milledge 2000; DPIE 2021).

 

Figure 1:  Modelled distribution of Black-breasted Button-quail.

Map Modelled distribution of Black-breasted Button-quail.

Source: Base map Geoscience Australia; species distribution data Species of National Environmental Significance database.

Caveat: The information presented in this map has been provided by a range of groups and agencies. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness, no guarantee is given, nor responsibility taken by the Commonwealth for errors or omissions, and the Commonwealth does not accept responsibility in respect of any information or advice given in relation to, or as a consequence of, anything contained herein.

Species distribution mapping: The species distribution mapping categories are indicative only and aim to capture (a) the habitat or geographic feature that represents recently observed locations of the species (known to occur) or habitat occurring in close proximity to these locations (likely to occur); and (b) the broad environmental envelope or geographic region that encompasses all areas that could provide habitat for the species (may occur). These presence categories are created using an extensive database of species observations records, national and regional-scale environmental data, environmental modelling techniques and documented scientific research.

 

Key Biodiversity Areas

The Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) program aims to identify, map, monitor and conserve the critical sites for global biodiversity across the planet. This process is guided by a Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas, the KBA Standard (IUCN 2016). It establishes a consultative, science-based process for the identification of globally important sites for biodiversity worldwide. Sites qualify as KBAs of global importance if they meet one or more of 11 criteria in five categories: threatened biodiversity; geographically restricted biodiversity; ecological integrity; biological processes; and, irreplaceability. The KBAs program is the successor and extension of BirdLife Australia’s Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs). Critically, the KBA Standard provides consistency to assist governments meeting their conservation obligations under various international treaties. For more information on KBAs visit -  www.keybiodiversityareas.org/home.  

The global KBA partnership currently recognises five Key Biodiversity Areas as important for Black-breasted Button-quail conservation and to support the long-term persistence of the species. KBAs are also undergoing a regular revision to ensure changes in IUCN red list status, taxonomic changes, local population trends as well as increased knowledge of the species are reflected accurately in the KBA network. As such, over time, additional KBAs may be recognised for their importance for Black-breasted Button-quail or new KBAs may be declared for this and other taxa. Detailed KBA Factsheets, including boundary maps, population estimates of trigger species and scientific references are available from the World Database of Key Biodiversity Areas (BirdLife International 2021). The five KBAs with Black-breasted Button-quail as one of their Trigger species were also recognised prior to the introduction of the KBA standard as Important Bird Areas for the species in 2009 based on the analysis of BirdLife Australia. They comprise:

Scenic Rim: This KBA consists of a series of contiguous protected areas along the Queensland-New South Wales border. It is defined as the following protected areas: Main Range National Park, Glen Rock Regional Park, Mount Barney National Park, Mount Chinghee National Park, Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, Border Ranges National Park, Koreelah National Park, Mebbin National Park, Wollumbin National Park, Mount Clunie National Park, Mount Nothofagus National Park, Mount Warning National Park, Limpinwood Nature Reserve and Numinbah Nature Reserve. The KBA also includes private properties.

Palmgrove: Located 185 km north-north-east of Roma in south-central Queensland. This KBA is designated on the basis of more than 10 pairs of Black-breasted Button-quail comprising the most-western population. The vegetation is moderately diverse, hosting a variety of eucalypt woodland and forest types as well as vine thicket and acacia thicket communities. These thickets, which comprise the habitat of the Black-breasted Button-quail, occur in very small pockets in other nearby protected areas and State Forests, all of which have been logged, and are not known to support populations of the button-quail.

Conondale Range: The KBA is located 125 km north-north-east of Brisbane in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. It comprises a series of protected areas and forest reserves that support Black-breasted Button-quail, including the following National Parks: Amamoor, Conondale, Glastonbury and Maleny; and King Conservation Park; and Forest Reserves: Conondale, Elgin, Glastonbury, Imbil 1 & 2, Jimna, Kandanga, Kenilworth, Oakview, Wrattens, Yabba 1 & 2; and State Forests: Amamoor, Brooyar 1 & 2, Conondale, Diaper, Elgin Vale, Gallangowan, Glastonbury, Imbil 1 & 2, Jimna, Jimmys Scrub, Kabunga, King, Marys Creek, Mount Stanley 1, Oakview, Schact Creek, Squirrel Creek, Sunday Creek, Upper Kanganga, Wrattens, Yabba; and Conondale Resources Reserve. These areas are largely but not entirely connected and, as a whole, are surrounded by land cleared for agriculture and farming.

Bunya Mountains and Yarraman: This KBA is triggered by the presence of a large population of Black-breasted Button-quail and is defined as the following national parks: Bunya Mountains, Tarong, Mt Binga, Pidna and The Palms, and Bunya Mountains National Park (Recovery) and Conservation Park; and the following state forests: Archookoora, Benarkin, East Nanango, Gibson, Googa, Mt Binga, Pidna, South Nanango, Tarong and Yarraman. The Black-breasted Button-quail population within the KBA is thought to be the largest in the world. The presence of this species at more than 1,000 m above sea level in the adjacent Bunya Mountains is unusual as the species is not generally found over 500 m elsewhere.

Cooloola and Fraser Coast: Situated approximately 175 km north of Brisbane in coastal south-eastern Queensland. It consists of the K’gari (Fraser Island) and Cooloola sections of Great Sandy National Park and the intervening land of Inskip Point, excluding the township of Rainbow Beach. This area is a huge sand mass, which supports a wide range of coastal vegetation communities including vine thickets, wallum swamps and open forests and woodlands. This KBA is designed to capture a large population of Black-breasted Button-quail, estimated to possibly support 250 breeding females. The climate is subtropical with warm winters, hot summers and mean annual rainfall of more than 1,200 mm.

Population trends

There is no monitoring of Black-breasted Button-quail abundance, and population estimates remain uncertain (Garnett et al. 2011; Webster et al. 2021). The species is too cryptic in both appearance and behaviour for birdwatcher records to be a reliable means for determining trends and there is no publicly available trend data for any sites that are monitored regularly (Webster et al. 2021).

Webster et al. (2021) estimate there to be 4,800 (range 3,000–6,500) mature Black-breasted Button-quail in the wild, however the reliability of this estimate is low. The population size was estimated through expert elicitation but with very little baseline information (Garnett et al. 2011; Webster et al. 2021). The extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) for the species is estimated at 64,000 km2 (58,000–70,400 km2) and 760 km2 (760–1,000 km2), respectively. Both EOO and AOO trends are estimated to be stable with medium reliability, but given ongoing threats the EOO and AOO could decline in the future without management action (Webster et al. 2021). A continuing decline of population size is likely as a result of ongoing environmental degradation (Webster et al. 2021).

There is now sufficient evidence to suggest the population is not fragmented, contrary to previous assessments, with movements between disjunct populations highly probable (Webster et al. 2021). For example, the ephemeral presence of the species on offshore islands and in atypical habitat is indicative of a high potential for movement between suitable habitat patches (Webster et al. 2021). The degree of movement between isolated populations remains unknown; however, the species may exist as a single metapopulation (Webster et al. 2021). The species may be suffering the effects of fragmentation (historical and ongoing), even if a level of connectivity is maintained. Climate change impacts could make the drier western edge of the species’ current range inhospitable in the near future (S Legge pers. comm. 2022). The species is not subject to extreme fluctuations in EOO, AOO, number of subpopulations, locations or mature individuals (Webster et al. 2021).

 

In New South Wales, multiple records in the three decades prior to 1995, from multiple observers, indicated the presence of Black-breasted Button-quails in the state. However, many of those historical observations are questionable (Milledge 2000; NSW Scientific Committee 2009) and targeted surveys in the late 1990s failed to locate the species (Milledge 2000; M. Andren pers. comm. 1997). There have been no confirmed sightings in over two decades, implying a decline across the range of the Black-breasted Button-quail in New South Wales (DPIE 2021). Queensland populations occur close to the border and birds could reappear in New South Wales, however, resident breeding populations may be extinct.

Survey guidelines

Black-breasted Button-quail are usually detected by observation of birds that flush or walk away after being disturbed (DEWHA 2010). The species may also be detected by the scratching noises that it makes when foraging in the leaf litter (DEWHA 2010). Survey guidelines for Australia’s threatened birds (DEWHA 2010) recommend land-based area searches of 15 hours over three days as standard (in areas of less than 50 ha). Platelets (see 2.7.2 Feeding ecology) may indicate presence of birds but are not conclusive as these are also made by other button-quail species (DEWHA 2010).

Males and juveniles could possibly be confused with the Turnix varius (Painted Button-quail) but can be distinguished by darker upperparts lacking bright rufous markings and pale iris (Marchant & Higgins 1993) if sufficiently clear views are obtained (often not possible).

Cultural and community significance

Black-breasted Button-quail are currently known to occur on the lands of at least the following Indigenous Peoples: Bailai, Butchulla, Danggan Balun, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, Jagera, Kabi Kabi, Taribelang Bunda, Quandamoka, Ugarapul and Yuggera (Webster et al. 2021). The Butchulla name for the species is ‘Mur’rindum’. The cultural and community significance of the species is not known. Further research into the subject area may benefit the conservation of the species by providing insights about traditional culture and land management.

This statement of significance is not intended to be comprehensive, applicable to, or speak for, all Indigenous Australians and it is acknowledged that Indigenous groups and individuals are the custodians of this knowledge.

Relevant biology and ecology

Habitat requirements

The Black-breasted Button-quail has specific habitat requirements involving soil fertility, leaf litter and litter accumulation and habitat structural attributes that are important determinants of food availability and protection from predation. The species habitat includes:

• Dense forest or thicket vegetation with closed canopy and dense mid storey, providing concealment from predators, but little ground-covering vegetation, and a thick bed of leaf litter and soft fertile soil in which the birds forage for invertebrates.
• Habitat with closed canopy but very little mid-storey, and also where there’s ground cover of native and/or exotic forbs such as Coral Berry (Ardisia crenata).
• Sandy dune scrub on the coast.

Typically, Black-breasted Button-quail occur in vegetation that is seasonally wet, that being a condition associated with heavy leaf fall, which creates the deep layer of leaf litter. In dry rainforest, the seasonal stress of the late dry season together with the deciduous or semi-deciduous nature of some trees, are major contributors to leaf fall.

Black-breasted Button-quails are most frequently reported from the following ecological communities and vegetation types:

• Vine thickets and rainforest vegetation types that are periodically water-stressed. These include semi-evergreen vine thicket, low microphyll vine forest, Araucarian microphyll vine forest, Araucarian notophyll vine forest and Brachychiton scrubs that may incorporate bottle trees Brachychiton spp., Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) and Belah (Casuarina cristata) (Flower et al. 1995).
• Low thickets or woodlands with a dense understorey but little ground cover, typically dominated by Acacia spp. (Flower et al. 1995).
• In littoral habitats, dry vine scrubs, acacia (Acacia spp.) thickets and areas densely covered in shrubs, particularly Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) (Marchant & Higgins 1993).
• Regrowth of the above vegetation groups, in most cases adjacent to intact remnants.
• Patches of the introduced weed (Lantana camara), particularly when associated with the above vegetation types.
• Hoop Pine (Araucaria cunninghamii) plantations where there is a dense understorey, usually comprised of the introduced weed Lantana camara and then, generally adjacent to the above-listed forest types.
• Wetter subtropical rainforest sometimes in association with moist eucalypt forest in New South Wales (Garnett & Crowley 2000).

Black-breasted Button-quail habitat may also change when populations are put under intense pressure e.g., Hervey Bay where birds have been found foraging at the edge of mangroves.

Littoral vine forest located at Rainbow Beach © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Littoral vine forest located at Rainbow Beach © Copyright, Patrick Webster  

Semi-evergreen vine thicket located at Lockyer Valley © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Semi-evergreen vine thicket located at Lockyer Valley © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Araucarian microphyll vine forest located at Yarraman © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Araucarian microphyll vine forest located at Yarraman © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Feeding ecology

Black-breasted Button-quails appear to be generalist insectivores (Webster et al. 2019), feeding mostly on invertebrates in the order Coleoptera (beetles), Formicidae (ants) and Dermaptera (earwigs) (Marchant & Higgins 1993; Webster et al. 2018). The vegetation types described above generally possess a well-developed leaf litter layer between 3 to 10 cm deep. It is through this leaf litter that the Black-breasted Button-quail forages using a technique termed “pivot-feeding”.

The birds scratch at the leaf litter with one leg while pivoting the body on the other, thus displacing leaves and soil, exposing invertebrate prey. Birds are known to also pivot feed in soil with little or no leaf litter, however there is usually leaf litter nearby (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022). This scratching produces distinctive circular feeding depressions often termed “platelets” that are between 15 and 25 cm in diameter. All other button-quail species in Australia feed in a similar fashion. Although Black-breasted Button-quail typically produce the most completely formed platelets (that are often much larger and deeper than other species due to the soft substrate in which the species’ forages), in soft friable soil Painted Button-quail platelets are not discernible from Black-breasted Button-quail platelets (P Webster pers. comm. 2022).

Characteristic Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelets © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Characteristic Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelets © Copyright, Patrick Webster  

Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelets at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch

Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelets at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch

 

Close up of Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelet © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Close up of Black-breasted Button-quail feeding platelet © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Breeding ecology

There is little known about the breeding habits of Black-breasted Button-quail, however they are assumed to breed throughout their contemporary range (Marchant & Higgins 1993). The breeding season is September to April-May (Garnett et al. 2011). The breeding strategy of the species is polyandrous, which means that a female will mate with several males during the one breeding season.

Nests consist of a scrape in the ground measuring 10 cm by 6 cm, that is lined with leaves or moss. Nests are well-concealed and placed in the buttressed roots of a tree or sapling or under a low bush or grass tussock (Marchant & Higgins 1993). It is not known which sex builds the nest.

Between three and five eggs are laid (Marchant & Higgins 1993). The incubation period in the wild is 18–21 days. The female can lay two clutches of eggs 8–10 days apart. Females usually produce 3 to 4 young per clutch, which are incubated and tended solely by the male (Marchant & Higgins 1993). Generational length is estimated at 3.2 years (range 3.0–3.4 years) with high reliability (Bird et al. 2020).

Black-breasted Button-quail nest at Yarramen © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Black-breasted Button-quail nest at Yarramen © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Communication

All Black-breasted Button-quail have calls that can be grouped into three categories: 1) advertising “oom”, 2) drumming, and 3) contact clucks (Hughes & Hughes 1991). Of the advertising oom each note is comprised of a series of rapidly repeated elements giving the note a tremulous quality.

This call type is only given by the females and is thought to be related to territorial and breeding activities (Hughes & Hughes 1991). The drum is a series of deep short rapidly repeated notes given in quick succession often referred to as the motorboat or motorbike call. This vocalisation has only been recorded from the female and is likely related to breeding and territorial activities (Hughes & Hughes 1991). Both sexes give a great diversity of soft clucks, trills and whistles (del Hoyo et al. 1992). The role of these calls is undetermined but are likely short-range communications.

Movement patterns

Female Black-breasted Button-quail are territorial, establishing territories between two and 10 hectares. Birds are commonly seen in pairs or small groups, some of which may be families, though females are occasionally seen singly (Hughes & Hughes 1991; Marchant & Higgins 1993). The dispersal patterns of this species are poorly understood. They are generally considered to be sedentary, although birds can appear intermittently in some patches of good habitat, or as transients in habitats not considered core to the species (Marchant & Higgins 1993; Smith et al. 1998; Lees & Smith 2000; Smyth et al. 2001).

Black-breasted Button-quail are elusive, well-camouflaged and rely on stealth to avoid danger. Birds become immobilised to avoid predation (Marchant & Higgins 1993). They are very reluctant to flush preferring to run when pursued, only taking flight as a last resort.

Habitat critical to the survival

Habitat critical to the survival or important habitats of a species or ecological community refers to areas that are necessary:

• for activities such as foraging, breeding, roosting, or dispersal;
• for the long-term maintenance of the species or ecological community (including the maintenance of species essential to the survival of the species or ecological community, such as pollinators);
• to maintain genetic diversity and long-term evolutionary development; or
• for the reintroduction of populations or recovery of the species or ecological community.

Such habitat may be, but is not limited to: habitat identified in a recovery plan for the species or ecological community as habitat critical for that species or ecological community; and/or habitat listed on the Register of Critical Habitat maintained by the Minister under the EPBC Act.

Habitat critical to the survival of the Black-breasted Button-quail includes:

Foraging and breeding habitat:

• Vine thickets and rainforest vegetation types that are periodically water-stressed. These include: semi-evergreen vine thicket, low microphyll vine forest, Araucarian microphyll vine forest, Araucarian notophyll vine forest and Brachychiton scrubs that may incorporate bottle trees (Brachychiton sp.), Brigalow (Acacia harpophylla) and Belah (Casuarina cristata).
• Low thickets or woodlands with a dense understorey but little ground cover, typically dominated by Acacia spp.
• In littoral situations, dry vine scrubs, acacia thickets and areas densely covered in shrubs, particularly Midgen Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis).

Habitat for the long-term maintenance of the species:

All Key Biodiversity Areas with Black-breasted Button-quail as a trigger species.

Suitable habitat in future climate niches as information becomes available.

Areas with potential habitat

Areas with Black-breasted Button-quail habitat attributes that occur within the modelled distribution of the Black-breasted Button-quail that have been surveyed without confirmed detections may be habitat that is temporarily unoccupied. A greater understanding about Black-breasted Button-quail patterns of occurrence, population dynamics and dispersal, and detectability is required before these areas can be classed as unoccupied or unsuitable.

Areas supporting recovery

Population connectivity is important for Black-breasted Button-quail persistence. Areas that are not currently occupied may support dispersing individuals and be critical for maintaining connectivity and genetic resilience. These biologically important areas are likely to:

• Occur between areas of known or potential habitat,
• Provide vegetation cover and temporary shelter resources to protect dispersing individuals from predation, and
• Provide sufficient food resources during dispersal.

It is also important to consider and maintain buffer zones and refugia habitat for the species. When Black-breasted Button-quail populations are placed under intense pressure, the species may also be found in other habitats, for example, displaced populations in Hervey Bay which were found foraging at the edge of mangroves. These adjacent habitats may provide a temporary refugia when more preferred habitat is no longer available and should also be considered habitat critical to the survival.

Detrimental actions in areas supporting recovery are likely to interfere with the long-term persistence of the Black-breasted Button-quail.

Habitat critical to the survival of Black-breasted Button-quail occurs across a wide range of land tenures, including freehold land and reserves, publicly owned forests, state reserves and national parks (including K’gari World Heritage Area). It is essential that the locations where the species regularly occurs is given the highest protection and conservation measures target these productive habitats.

In order to increase the Black-breasted Button-quail area of occupancy and population size all currently occupied areas should be protected (not cleared); areas that could potentially be occupied should not be cleared and should be restored; and areas that will be needed in the future should not be cleared and should possibly be restored.

No Critical Habitat as defined under section 207A of the EPBC Act has been identified or included in the Register of Critical Habitat.

Key considerations in environmental impact assessments

When considering habitat loss, alteration or likely degradation to habitat in any part of the Black-breasted Button-quail range, including in areas where the species ‘may occur’, surveys for occupancy at the appropriate times of the year and identifying preferred habitat remain an important tool in refining understanding of the area’s relative importance for the species. The species’ pattern of habitat use means that both recent survey data and historical records need to be considered when assessing the relative importance of a local area or region for Black-breasted Button-quail. Surveys should be designed to take account of the cryptic nature of the species (e.g., camera traps).

Black-breasted Button-quail also utilise patches of introduced weeds (Lantana and sometimes Privet; particularly when associated with the above vegetation types), and Hoop Pine plantations with dense understorey (generally adjacent to the above-listed forest types). These disturbed habitats are quite important for the species in some areas. For the purposes of this recovery plan, these modified habitats are not considered ‘habitat critical to the survival’ of Black-breasted Button-quail. However, logging, clearing or weeding of these areas may pose a risk to small populations of button-quail and should be carried out sensitively. Land managers need to ensure that weed control measures include strategic, staged replacement of weed thickets with native plant species that form similarly dense patches of habitat.  

Habitat critical to the survival of the species should not be destroyed or modified. Actions that have indirect impacts on habitat critical to the survival should be minimised and adequately mitigated (e.g. noise). Actions that compromise adult and juvenile survival should also be avoided, for example, the transmission and introduction of diseases, and actions that might increase predation threat from introduced predators. Actions should not be assessed in isolation and consideration must be given to existing and future activities that may impact the species to ensure conservation outcomes on a landscape scale are achieved.

Actions that remove, fragment and/or degrade habitat critical to the survival would interfere with the recovery of the Black-breasted Button-quail and reduce the area of occupancy of the species. It is important to retain all of the diversity of habitats utilised by this species described above.

 

3. Threats

Historical causes of decline

By the late 1960s, at least 90% of Black-breasted Button-quail habitat (subtropical and dry rainforests) had been cleared for agriculture or plantations of Hoop Pine (Hamley et al. 1997). This caused direct habitat loss, subsequent habitat fragmentation and degradation for the species. Intentional habitat removal of habitat such as bottletree Brachychiton spp. scrubs has been much reduced in recent decades, though it is still considered to be an ongoing threat in some parts of the species range, outside protected areas (Webster et al. 2021).

Current threatening processes

Currently, the main threat to the species is weed invasion, particularly Cat’s Claw Creeper (Dolichandra unguis-cati) which gradually smothers the leaf litter layer and kills trees and shrubs that form the near-closed cover under which the birds feed, rendering habitat unsuitable (P Webster, RP Jaensch unpublished cited in Webster et al. 2021). However, the effects of Lantana invasion may not be as detrimental as the species is known to occupy habitats where Lantana dominates the understorey layers.

Fire resulting from edge effects (weed invasion), increased drought and elevated temperatures pose a significant threat to the species (P Webster pers. comm. 2022). This threat has the potential to irreversibly alter currently suitable habitat to a state not suitable for Black-breasted Button-quail. Droughts severe enough to kill trees also expose and dry out the leaf litter, reducing invertebrate density and making destruction of habitat by fire more likely. Drought severity is likely to increase with climate change (Evans et al. 2017).

Ongoing habitat clearance and fragmentation caused by housing and development pressure (e.g., Hervey Bay), and habitat degradation caused by domestic stock, feral pigs (Sus scrofa) and overabundant macropods also threaten the species (Smith et al. 1997; Lees & Smith 2000; Webster et al. 2021). Black-breasted Button-quails appear vulnerable to ground predators, particularly nocturnal predators which might prey on sleeping or nesting birds. Predation by cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes) may reduce populations.

Black-breasted Button-quail are known to be preyed upon by cats, and button-quail in general are preferred prey items for cats (Woinarski et al. 2017), but the impacts of cats on Black-breasted Button-quail populations are unknown (Webster et al. 2021). The impacts of habitat clearing and predation are likely to interact. Removal of button-quail habitat is likely to favour cats and foxes by creating more open conditions, and cats and foxes are likely to amplify the impacts on the species of habitat clearing and associated fragmentation by increasing mortality of birds attempting to move between isolated habitat patches.

Weeds altering habitat

Invasive weeds typically change the floristic and structural characteristics of habitat, thereby changing resource availability (French & Zubovic 1997). Some weeds may also increase the flammability of habitat, amplifying bushfire risk (Salvo Aires 2014).

Cat’s Claw Creeper was recently identified as a priority threat to Black-breasted Button-quail in the Action Plan for Australian Birds 2020 (Webster et al. 2021). Cat’s Claw Creeper is a major weed of native forests and riparian areas in eastern Australia. Its climbing woody stems (lianas) cling to tree trunks, enabling it to grow into the forest canopy. In rainforests it can overtop and kill mature trees, removing the canopy under which Black-breasted Button-quail feed and opening up the canopy for light-loving weeds. Cat’s Claw Creeper competes with native plants by forming a dense above-ground mat and numerous underground reproductive tubers, impeding Black-breasted Button-quail’s ability to forage and rendering habitat unsuitable.

Dense infestations of Cat’s Claw Creeper are very difficult to control due to the numerous lianas, abundant seed and ability to resprout from tubers, sometimes for years. In selecting the most suitable control techniques it is essential to minimise adverse impacts on native vegetation and to encourage its subsequent recovery (Weeds Australia 2011). The methods chosen should be adapted to the type of native vegetation invaded, stage in the restoration program, size and growth stage of the weeds and level of infestation. Weeding should proceed gradually as creation of large gaps can lead to further weed invasion. Follow up is essential. Regrowth should be treated before it reaches the foliage of the host tree, or the hanging ends of previously cut stems of Cat’s Claw Creeper. Regrowth may require treatment for five or more years and ongoing monitoring is needed (Webster et al. 2021).

 

Madeira Vine (Anredera cordifolia), Green Panic Grass (Megathyrsus maximus), Climbing Asparagus (Asparagus plumosus) and Coral Berry (Rivina humilis) are other weeds that also degrade the native vegetation that provides core Black-breasted Button-quail habitat (DPIE 2021; R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022). Madeira Vine and Climbing Asparagus act in similar ways to Cat’s Claw Creeper and are exceptionally difficult to eradicate; Madeira Vine produces fertile tubers along its stems and thus must be poisoned below ground. Near Toowoomba, Climbing Asparagus is rapidly becoming one of the most difficult creepers to eradicate because it forms impenetrable thorny thickets (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022).

Lantana forms dense thickets, sometimes impenetrable to humans, and is listed as the most significant environmental weed by the South-East Queensland Environmental Weeds Management Group. Lantana dominance appears to adversely affect the species richness of soil fauna assemblages, such as ants, and decreases the diversity of soil fungi (Weeds Australia 2020). It can also affect flora diversity by reducing seedling germination and by increasing the chance and severity of fire in plant communities such as dry rainforest. Lantana has been identified as a potential threat to many threatened and endangered plants and animals and a number of endangered ecological communities (Weeds Australia 2020). While Lantana and other weeds adjoining or within dry rainforests can provide suitable habitat for Black-breasted Button-quail by providing dense low cover and good leaf litter for foraging, they are low quality habitat for other native species, and the careful restoration of these areas to native vegetation should be prioritised. Removal of weeds and restoration activities must be completed slowly and in stages so that disturbance to Black-breasted Button-quail habitat is minimised, and their occurrence in these patches is maintained over time.

The threat of weeds interacts with rainfall. For example, the very wet period during 2021/2022 caused an explosion in extent and impact of creepers on vine thicket scrub in south-east Queensland (R Jaensch pers. comm. May 2022).

 

Lantana and Madeira Vine smothering semi-evergreen vine thicket at Lockyer Valley © Copyright, Patrick Webster

Lantana and Madeira Vine smothering semi-evergreen vine thicket at Lockyer Valley © Copyright, Patrick Webster

 

Coral Berry infestation in semi-evergreen vine-thicket at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch

Coral Berry infestation in semi-evergreen vine-thicket at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch  

Madeira Vine infestation at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch

Madeira Vine infestation at Redwood Park, Toowoomba © Copyright, Roger Jaensch

Increase in frequency, scale and/or intensity of fire

Inappropriate fire regimes are the greatest threat to Australia’s birds after direct human destruction and alteration of habitats (Olsen et al. 2005). Too frequent fire may contribute to Black-breasted Button-quail decline through: increased weed invasion following fire; loss of woody debris; reduction in leaf litter; and decline in invertebrate abundance (Spencer & Baxter 2006). By opening the understorey, fire can increase the risk of predation by cats and foxes (Hradsky 2020). Several fires in close succession can also prevent plants and animals from returning to an area (particularly in fragmented landscapes), and prevent soil seed set (Wilson & Bignall 2009).

Many of the dry rainforest type habitats of Black-breasted Button-quail do not have a capacity to regenerate after fire and only survive because of a lack of fire. This is not the same for the littoral habitats which are dominated by sclerophyll vegetation which experience regular fire such as in the Great Sandy region.

Fires in vegetation surrounding adjoining habitat could have significant impacts if not managed and wildfire incursions into preferred habitat could damage remnants irretrievably. Frequent fires, coupled with consistent heavy grazing, is also likely to further degrade grass and shrub understorey.

Black-breasted Button-quail within Palmgrove and Scenic Rim KBAs were impacted by the 2019/2020 fires. However, current information on AOO and population size are too inadequate to allow a robust analysis of the impacts of these fires (Todd & Maurer 2020). Similarly, 87,000 hectares (more than 50%) of K’gari (Fraser Island) was burnt in late 2020 (Queensland Government 2021). Black-breasted Button-quail is distributed along the east coast of K’gari inland to about 1 km. Observations by researchers in August 2021 confirmed that only a small portion of previously occupied habitat along the coast or in K’gari was burnt (P Webster pers. comm. October 2021).

Increased frequency and/or length of droughts

Drought exposes and dries out leaf litter and increases the likelihood of high-severity fire. Climate change models predict increasingly frequent and more severe drought events in South East Queensland (Evans et al. 2017). This may negatively affect small patches and strips of Black-breasted Button-quail habitat, which may disappear or decline in quality due to water stress and possible increased frequency and severity of fire events. A history of Black-breasted Button-quail in the Fitzroy basin indicates that long-lasting drought and cattle stocking led to the disappearance of the species from the region (Flower et al. 1995).

It is not fully known how these weather events, or their cumulative effects, will affect the Black-breasted Button-quail’s survival and reproduction.

Ongoing impacts of historical habitat loss caused by clearing for agriculture

The main threats to bird survival in agricultural areas is habitat loss caused by clearing of native vegetation, and subsequent degradation of the remnants (Stevens 2001). Since European settlement, over 43% of forests, 90% of temperate woodlands and mallee, and 75% of rainforests have been cleared nationwide (Bradshaw 2012). The majority of remnants are generally isolated and small, are vulnerable to edge effects, and are often below the critical size needed to sustain healthy populations of many bird species (Olsen et al. 2005).

Additionally, as habitats become increasingly fragmented due to further clearing, native birds become more vulnerable to the other threats, such as predation by feral species and destructive fires, and lose the ability to recolonise previously suitable habitat (Olsen et al. 2005). The ongoing fragmentation and degradation of remnant vegetation can also disrupt essential ecosystem processes such as pollination, seed dispersal and regeneration (Jackson et al. 2016). 

At least 90% of the habitat of the Black-breasted Button-quail had been cleared for agriculture or plantations of Hoop Pine by the 1960’s. Ongoing impacts of historical habitat loss and fragmentation from agriculture is a significant threat affecting Black-breasted Button-quail (Webster et al. 2021). Retention and restoration of native vegetation in agricultural areas are urgently needed to prevent further declines in the Black-breasted Button-quail population, as is the cessation of land clearing.

Habitat loss caused by forestry plantations

Forests harvested for wood production in Australia are regenerated to produce another harvest of trees. Loss and modification of habitat in order to maintain timber-harvesting and other forestry-related practices is a serious threat to the viability of Black-breasted Button-quail (Webster et al. 2021). For example, harvesting Hoop Pine plantations with well-developed understorey can destroy established Black-breasted Button-quail habitat and may facilitate access of introduced predators.

Growing, harvesting and regrowing are governed by a rigorous regulatory framework (both government and NGO certified) to ensure that environmental outcomes are maximised.

Habitat degradation caused by domestic stock grazing

Native tree and shrub seedlings and groundcover species are highly susceptible to domestic stock grazing. Unlike native herbivores, most domestic stock are hard-hoofed and cause significant damage to soil structure from compaction and damage to native plants by trampling (Willson & Bignall 2009). Reduction or removal of understorey structure (e.g., native shrubs, herbs and grasses) can reduce foraging, nesting sites and shelter sites, and subsequently increase the risk of predation (Olsen et al. 2005). The other major impact of livestock grazing is its association with weed invasion (Martine & Alan 2005). Livestock grazing can exacerbate weed spread through seed dispersal, soil and vegetation disturbance, and nutrient enrichment (Martine & Alan 2005). Degradation caused by intensive grazing pressure may be exacerbated in small patches or along narrow strips of vegetation with little buffering to keep out the effects of prolonged drought.

Additionally, the impact of intense grazing by over-abundant macropods can cause similar impacts to domestic stock

Habitat loss caused by urban development and mining

Habitat loss caused by urban development such as housing estates and infrastructure threaten Black-breasted Button-quail. The continuing expansion of residential and resort development along the coast is of particular concern e.g., Hervey Bay. This affects areas of littoral habitat that, while possibly significant, occurs at scales too small to be mapped as remnant or as regrowth.

The abundance of resource extraction operations in southeast Queensland, including large coal mines and coal seam gas fields, overlaps considerably with the distribution of the Black-breasted Button-quail (Commonwealth of Australia 2019). The continued development of these operations threatens Black-breasted Button-quail habitat directly through clearing of potential habitat, as well as via drawdown effects to potentially groundwater-dependent mesic vine thickets and acacia scrublands, particularly those associated with Fassifern scrublands or situated on low-porosity sedimentary rocks.

Predation by cats and European Red Foxes

Ground-dwelling birds are particularly vulnerable to predation by cats and European Red Foxes. Although the impact of predation by cats and European Red Foxes on the Black-breasted Button-quail is not well known, it is likely that predation is a threat (Mathieson & Smith 2009; Centre for Invasive Species Solutions 2011). This may be particularly true if birds are forced to disperse through unsuitable habitat, or use habitat fragments adjacent to residential areas with high densities of pet cats. BBBQ have been recorded as a prey item of cats, and buttonquail in general are preferred prey items for cats (Woinarski et al 2017).

The threat of cats and European Red Foxes is also amplified by bushfires as those predators preferentially hunt in the open habitats created by fire (McGregor et al. 2015; McGregor et al. 2016; Hradsky et al. 2017; Hradsky 2020).

“Predation by feral cats” and “Predation by European red fox” are listed as a Key Threatening Processes under the EBPC Act, and detailed threat abatement plans have been prepared (Commonwealth of Australia 2008a, 2008b, 2015a, 2015b).

Predation and degradation of habitat by feral pigs

Feral pigs may consume eggs and chicks, disturb breeding birds, damage habitat through soil compaction, spread plant diseases, create tracks that provide predator access, and facilitate weed invasion that may bind soil or reduce foraging opportunities. By rooting in the leaf litter layer, pigs disturb the critical habitat feature that is important for Black-breasted Button-quail.

“Predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission by feral pigs” has been listed as a Key Threatening Process under the EBPC Act, and a threat abatement plan has been prepared (Commonwealth of Australia 2017a, 2017b).

Threat prioritisation

Each of the threats outlined above has been assessed to determine the risk posed to the Black-breasted Button-quail population using a risk matrix. This in turn determines the priority for actions outlined below. The threats were considered in context of the current management regimes throughout its range. The impact of that threat has been assessed assuming that existing management measures continue to be applied appropriately. If management regimes change then the level of risk associated with threats may also change.

The risk matrix considers the likelihood of an incident occurring and the consequences of that incident. Threats may act differently in different parts of the species’ range and at different times of year, but the precautionary principle dictates that the threat category is determined by the subpopulation at highest risk. Population-wide threats are generally considered to present a higher risk.    

The risk matrix uses a qualitative assessment drawing on peer reviewed literature and expert opinion. In some cases the consequences of activities are unknown. In these cases, the precautionary principle has been applied. Levels of risk and the associated priorities for action are defined as follows:  

 

Table 4. Black-breasted Button-quail Risk Matrix

• Likelihood of occurrence Consequences
• Not significant Minor Moderate Major Catastrophic
• Almost certain - Predation by cats and foxes
• Feral pig rooting and predation - Habitat loss caused by clearing for large-scale agriculture
• Habitat loss caused by forestry plantations
• Habitat degradation caused by domestic stock grazing
• Habitat loss caused by urban development and mining - Weeds altering habitat
• Likely - Increase in frequency, scale and/or intensity of fire
• Increased frequency and/or length of droughts
• Possible
• Unlikely
• Unknown

 

Categories for likelihood are defined as follows:

Almost certain: expected to occur every year

Likely: expected to occur at least once every five years

Possible: might occur at some time

Unlikely: known to have occurred only a few times

Unknown: currently unknown how often the threat will occur  

Categories for consequences are defined as follows:

Not significant: no long-term effect on individuals or populations

Minor: individuals are adversely affected but no effect at population level

Moderate: population recovery stable or declining

Major: population decline is ongoing

Catastrophic: population trajectory close to extinction

4.  Populations under particular pressure

 

The actions described in this recovery plan are designed to provide ongoing protection for Black-breasted Button-quail throughout their range. As 100% of mature individuals exist in one population, particular attention may be given to the following subpopulations in Protected Area Estate: 

• Subpopulations of the Yarraman-Blackbutt-Nanago, Jimna-Conondale Range, Ravensbourne-Deongwar and Great Sandy regions are important due to their size and the land on which they occur being State owned.
• Subpopulations at the Palmgrove National Park and the Barakula State Forest area because they appear to be the last remnant subpopulations within an area where the species was once widespread (Hamley et al. 1997).
• Any New South Wales subpopulation is important, being at the southern limit of the species’ range and they must be maintained if the species is to persist in New South Wales.
• Subpopulations in areas where there is a history of significant vegetation fragmentation such as: Dawson, Fitzroy and Burnett catchments, Hervey Bay, lowlands around Goomeri, Lockyer Valley and Boonah district may not persist because of habitat patch size.

Other subpopulations that may be considered to be under threat are those outside of protected areas.

 

5.  Vision, Objectives and Strategies

Long-term Vision

The Black-breasted Button-quail population size and area of occupancy has increased to such an extent so that the species no longer qualifies for listing as threatened under any of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 listing criteria.

Recovery Plan Objectives

By 2032, maintain and improve the extent, condition and connectivity of habitat of the Black-breasted Button-quail.

By 2032, demonstrably reduce the severity of identified anthropogenic threats across the extent of the species’ range.

By 2032, achieve, measure and sustain a stable or positive trend in area of occupancy and population size (assessed by new baseline counts) in the number of mature individuals of the Black-breasted Button-quail.

This will be achieved by implementing the actions set out in this recovery plan that minimise threats while protecting and enhancing the species’ habitat throughout its range, adequately monitoring the species, generating new knowledge to guide recovery and increasing public awareness.

Strategies to achieve objectives

1. Implement management strategies to reduce threats to Black-breasted Button-quail and their habitat.
2. Enhance protection, improve the quality and increase the extent of suitable habitat to the Black-breasted Button-quail and its habitat.
3. Improve knowledge of the distribution, biology and ecology of the Black-breasted Button-quail and implement a monitoring strategy to identify and measure population trends.
4. Increase stakeholder participation in Black-breasted Button-quail conservation and management.
5. Coordinate, review and report on recovery progress.

 

6.  Actions to achieve the specific objectives

Actions identified for the recovery of Black-breasted Button-quail are described below. It should be noted that some of the objectives are long-term and may not be achieved prior to the scheduled five-year review of the recovery plan. Responsible Agencies are in bold text with potential supporting partners not in bold.  

Priorities assigned to actions should be interpreted as follows:

 

Strategy 1  Implement management strategies to reduce threats to Black-breasted Button-quail and their habitat

 

Strategy 2  Enhance protection, improve the quality and increase the extent of suitable habitat for the Black-breasted Button-quail

Strategy 3 Improve knowledge of the distribution, biology and ecology of Black-breasted Button-quail and implement a monitoring strategy to identify population trends

 

Strategy 4  Increase stakeholder participation in Black-breasted Button-quail conservation and management.

 

Strategy 5 Coordinate, review and report on recovery progress

 

7.  Duration and cost of the recovery process

The cost of implementation of this plan should be incorporated into the core business expenditure of the affected organisations, and through additional funds obtained for the explicit purpose of implementing this recovery plan.

It is expected that state and Commonwealth agencies will use this plan to prioritise actions to protect the species and enhance its recovery, and that projects will be undertaken according to agency priorities and available resources. All actions are considered important steps towards ensuring the long-term survival of the species.

 

Table 5: Summary of recovery actions and estimated costs for the first five years of implementation (these estimated costs do not take into account inflation over time).

 

• Action Cost
• Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Total
• Strategy 1 $2,600,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $12,000,000
• Strategy 2 $580,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $2,780,000
• Strategy 3 $750,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $550,000 $2,950,000
• Strategy 4 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $1,100,000 $5,500,000
• Strategy 5 $60,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $220,000
• TOTAL $5,090,000 $4,590,000 $4,590,000 $4,590,000 $4,590,000 $23,450,000

 

8. Effects on other native species and  biodiversity benefits

 

Black-breasted Button-quail inhabit fragments of microphyll and notophyll vine forest, thickets and coastal scrub. Protection and management of the Black-breasted Button-quail will contribute to the conservation of regional ecosystems and communities listed as ‘Of concern’ or ‘Endangered’ under the Queensland Vegetation Management Act 1999 (e.g. semi-evergreen vine thicket, some rainforest communities and some littoral vegetation types such as Regional Ecosystems 12.2.2, 12.2.3, 12.8.13, 12.8.21, 12.8.22, 12.8.23, 12.9-10.6, 12.9-10.15, 12.11.13, 12.12.18, 12.12.26 in Qld and equivalent vegetation communities in NSW) and EPBC Act listed threatened species and ecological communities.

The presence of viable populations of Black-breasted Button-quail may indicate the conservation value of forest remnants as refugia for the survival of other ground-dwelling fauna. The implementation of the plan will contribute to the conservation of other significant fauna and flora using similar habitats, e.g. invertebrates such as Regent Skipper (Euschemon rafflesia, Nurus brevis); reptiles such as Elf Skink (Eroticoscincus graciloides), Nangur Skink (Nangura spinosa) (CE), Banded Leaf-tail Gecko (Phyllurus caudiannulatus); mammals such as Spotted-tailed Quoll (Dasyurus maculatus maculatus) (E), Golden-tipped Bat (Phoniscus papuensis), Black-striped Wallaby (Notamacropus dorsalis); and plants including Alectryon ramiflorus (E), Cossinia australiana (E), Planchonella eerwah (E), Native Jute (Corchorus cunninghamii) (E), Plectranthus omissus (E), Syncarpia hillii, Stigmatodactylus amplexicaulis, Liparis simmondsii, Argophyllum nullumense, Cyperus semifertilis, veiny fontainea Fontainea venosa (V), Callitris baileyi, Cryptocarya floydii, Sarcochilus weinthalii (E), Sarcochilus dilatatus and Bulbophyllum globuliforme (V). (Bracketed ratings are EPBC listed species).

 

Threatened Ecological Communities listed under the EPBC Act that are of importance to the Black-breasted Button-quail include: Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia (CE), Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) (E), and Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia (CE). Relevant management and conservation documents include:

• Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (2011). Approved Conservation Advice for the Lowland Rainforest of Subtropical Australia. Canberra, ACT: Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities.
• Department of the Environment (2015). Approved Conservation Advice for the Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia ecological community. Canberra: Department of the Environment.
• Department of the Environment and Energy (2019). National Recovery Plan for the Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia Ecological Community. Canberra: Commonwealth of Australia.
• McDonald, W.J.F (2010). National recovery plan for the “Semi-evergreen vine thickets of the Brigalow Belt (North and South) and Nandewar Bioregions” ecological community. Report to Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management, Brisbane.

These ecological communities will also benefit from increased efforts to protect and enhance Black-breasted Button-quail habitat.

9.  Social and economic considerations

The major social and economic impacts of this recovery plan will be on those who require approval to remove or modify Black-breasted Button-quail habitat and are prevented from doing so, or are required to modify their proposal by a consent authority. This may include increased costs due to the assessment processes, requirement to provide offset funding, to secure or rehabilitate habitat, or for other threat mitigation work.

Restrictions on further clearing of Black-breasted Button-quail habitat may impact some landowners, land managers and developers. These restrictions may not significantly impact agricultural industries, however, since many of the more fertile areas have already been cleared and remnant vegetation is generally located on less fertile soils that are relatively less attractive for agriculture. 

BirdLife Australia and a network of community volunteers actively but irregularly survey for this species, including monitoring threats in its habitat inside and outside Key Biodiversity Areas and explore conservation actions (G Maurer pers. comm. 2021). Involvement in Black-breasted Button-quail conservation can provide social benefits with community members and engaged groups having a sense of achievement, inclusion, community spirit and pride whilst gaining enjoyment and appreciation of their surrounding natural environment. The community education components of the program also promote community ownership, provide community support and encourage active involvement in protecting local natural resources.

In addition, there is the potential for financial gains through ecotourism ventures and holiday accommodation operators in areas where Black-breasted Button-quail are reliably seen. Such areas are more likely to be in regional areas of Queensland through the breeding season. Additional social benefits include encouraging passive recreation, appreciation of natural aesthetic values and increased awareness and appreciation of Indigenous cultural values.

 

10.  Affected interests

Organisations and individuals likely to be affected by the actions proposed in this plan include: government agencies (Commonwealth, state, local), particularly those involved with environment and conservation programs; private landholders; Indigenous land and sea management groups (including ranger programs); researchers; bush care groups; bird watching groups; conservation groups; wildlife interest groups; 4WD and fishing groups; environmental consulting companies; tourism operators; mining companies; industry and commercial bodies; and, proponents of agricultural development in the vicinity of important habitat.

However, this list should not be considered exhaustive, as there may be other interest groups that may like to be included in the future or need to be considered when specialised tasks are required.

The following table lists some of the interest groups, how they could contribute to the success of the plan and the potential benefits/impacts that may emerge from the plan’s implementation:

 

 

11.  Consultation

The Recovery Plan for the Black-breasted Button-quail has been developed through extensive consultation with a broad range of stakeholders. The consultation process brought together key species experts and conservation managers, from a range of different organisations, to categorize ongoing threats to the Black-breasted Button-quail and identify knowledge gaps and potential management options.

Consultation included representatives from government agencies, non-government organisations, researchers and local community groups. During the drafting process the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Cwlth) continued to work closely with key stakeholders.

Notice of the draft plan was made available for public comment for three months between 5 November 2021 and 25 February 2022. Any comments received that were relevant to the survival of the species were considered by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee as part of its assessment process.

12.  Organisations and persons involved in   evaluating the performance of the plan

This plan should be reviewed no later than five years from when it was endorsed and made publicly available. The review will determine the performance of the plan and assess:

• whether the plan continues unchanged, is varied to remove completed actions, or varied to include new conservation priorities; or
• whether a recovery plan is no longer necessary for the species’ as either conservation advice will suffice, or the species’ are removed from the threatened species list.

As part of this review, the listing status of the species’ will be assessed against the EPBC Act species listing criteria.

The review will be coordinated by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (Cwth) in association with relevant Australian and state government agencies and key stakeholder groups such as non-governmental organisations, local community groups and scientific research organisations.

Key stakeholders who may be involved in the review of the performance of the Recovery Plan for the Black-breasted Button-quail include organisations likely to be affected by the actions proposed in this plan and are expected to include:

Australian Government

• Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
• Department of Defence

Queensland Government

• Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science
• Department of Transport and Main Roads
• Economic Development Queensland

New South Wales Government

• Department of Planning and Environment
• Department of Primary Industries – Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Divisions
• Transport for New South Wales

Non-government organisations

• BirdLife Australia
• NRM groups
• Traditional Owner groups
• Universities

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