White-throated grasswren facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White-throated grasswren |
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Amytornis
|
| Species: |
woodwardi
|
 |
|
| Distribution of the white-throated grasswren | |
The white-throated grasswren is a special bird found only in northern Australia. It's also known as Yirlinkirrkirr by the local people. This small bird belongs to the Maluridae family, which includes many types of wrens. You can only find it in West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory.
Contents
Where the Grasswren Lives (Habitat)
The white-throated grasswren lives only in a specific part of Australia. It calls the Arnhem Land sandstone massif home. This area is between the towns of Katherine and Maningrida. It covers a large space of about 6,200 km2 (2,400 sq mi).
These birds prefer dry, rocky areas. They also like lowland grasslands. Their favorite spots are where a special type of spiky grass, called Triodia microstachya (or spinifex), grows.
Protecting the Grasswren (Conservation Status)
The white-throated grasswren is an endangered species. This means it is at high risk of disappearing forever. The IUCN Red List listed it as endangered in 2022. Australia's government also protects it under a special law. The Northern Territory has its own laws to help protect this bird.
Why the Grasswren is in Danger
The biggest problem for the grasswren is losing its home. It needs spinifex grass that hasn't been burned for at least five years. But there are more and more bushfires happening. Over 50 fires occurred in 2021 alone. Climate change is making these fires happen more often. This means the birds don't have enough good places to live. It also makes it harder for them to have babies.
The grasswren mostly hops around instead of flying. This makes it easy prey for feral cats. These cats hunt and kill many grasswrens.
In 1992, there were about 5,000 to 10,000 grasswrens. By 2011, there were no more than 10,000 adult birds. Their numbers keep going down. By As of 2022[update], they had disappeared from many places. These include areas near Gunlom Falls in Kakadu National Park.
How We Are Helping the Grasswren
The Australian Government has a plan to save 20 bird species. The white-throated grasswren is one of them. This plan started in 2015.
As of As of 2022[update], Indigenous rangers called Wardekken are helping. They work with a group called Territory Natural Resource Management. They use old Indigenous "patchwork" burning methods. This means they burn small areas carefully. This helps to reduce the amount of dry plants. Less dry plants means smaller, less dangerous bushfires.
In June 2022, these rangers used recorded bird calls. This helped them find some grasswrens. It shows their hard work is helping.
About the Grasswren's Name (Taxonomy)
A scientist named Ernst Hartert first identified this bird in 1905. It belongs to the Maluridae family.
Cultural Importance
The local Nawarddeken people call this bird Yirlinkirrkirr. It is very important to their culture.
