James Cook University researchers say the endangered southern black‑throated finch has suffered a dramatic population drop after an extreme wet season was followed by a large wildfire near Ross River Dam in Townsville.
The study, led by JCU Ecologist Lyanne Brouwer and PhD candidate Parvaiz Yousuf, targeted the Ross River Dam catchment, one of the few remaining strongholds for Poephila cincta cincta.
"The prolonged flooding during an exceptional wet season submerged much of the finch's open‑forest habitat for months, cutting off the grass seeds that form its primary diet," said Dr Brouwer.
"Soon after, a wildfire on the dam's eastern side burned about 2000 hectares, destroying ground cover and scorching tree canopies."
The team used colour‑banding, radio‑tracking and systematic surveys to document a sharp decline in finch numbers. Volunteers who assisted with intensive monitoring reported almost no birds in locations that previously supported large flocks.
"The combined pressures of flooding, fire and habitat degradation have made survival and breeding very difficult," said Dr Brouwer.
Mr Yousuf said the findings underline the need for immediate, coordinated conservation measures.
"Without urgent action, the species could vanish from this region entirely," he said.
Peter Buosi from the Black-throated Finch Recovery Team said the findings match observations across the region and are deeply concerning, given the species is already in sharp decline.
"The Townsville population of black‑throated finch is under increasing pressure from several threats and is highly vulnerable to extinction. It's important that we act now to protect what remains", he said.
The research was supported by a Queensland Government Threatened Species Research Grant and Townsville City Council andthe results will be provided to the Black-throated Finch Recovery Team to guide conservation planning and support collaborative work to protect one of Queensland's most threatened birds.
