Malleefowl
Malleefowl
(Leipoa ocellata ) are large ground dwelling birds somewhat
larger than a domestic hen. They belong to a family of 22 bird
species known as "megapodes"(meaning big feet).
Described as a ground dwelling bird,
Malleefowl will take flight to roost in trees overnight and to
escape immediate danger.
Once common, their numbers have seriously
declined over the last 100 years.
Malleefowl are classified as "fauna that
is rare or likely to become extinct" under the Western Australian
Wildlife Conservation Act 1950-91.
Nationally, the Malleefowl is listed as a
threatened species in need of national conservation efforts
(National Recovery Plan for Malleefowl, Dr Joe Benshemesh
2000).
Malleefowl are unique to the arid and
semi-arid regions of Australia.
Megapode habitat is generally described as
high rainfall tropical/subtropical (east and north coasts of
Australia, New Guinea, Philippines, Indonesia and Western
Pacific/Southern Indian Islands) however the Malleefowl differs
from other megapodes as a species of the lower rainfall Southern
Australian landscapes.
Other common names include:- malleehen;
mallee fowl, incubator bird, native pheasant; bush chook and
Aboriginal names: gnow (naw, or ngow-o); lowan (low, or loan,
Lawani); Nganamara.
Source:
Malleefowl Preservation Group
The Cache
The cache container only has room for the
log book, you will need to "BYO" pen or pencil.