Bitterns in Rice Project – Bunyip Bird Conservation

Farming and wildlife conservation working together.

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+ days ponding time required for successful breeding.

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+ Bitterns supported by Riverina rice fields most years.

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hectares covered by Riverina LLS Bittern-friendly incentives in 5 years.

The Australasian Bittern is a rarely seen, poorly known and globally endangered waterbird.

Since 2012, we have been uncovering the well guarded secrets of Australia’s Bunyip Bird – the globally endangered Australasian Bittern – and raising awareness of its plight.

We now know there is a large breeding population that descends on the rice crops of the NSW Riverina each year. In most years, it numbers between 500 and 1000 mature individuals. This is remarkable, as there are only 1500-4000 remaining in the world; Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.