Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) and CQUniversity (CQU) are undertaking a research project investigating the Capricorn Yellow Chat (CYC), a critically endangered bird found only on the Capricorn Coast in Central Queensland. As a small endemic bird with a population size of only ~250 individuals, CYCs are faced with a myriad of threats, including climate change and sea level rise, infrastructure development, invasive species, and habitat loss. These threats have been identified in the 2023 CYC Recovery Plan as priorities for research and this project is the delivery of that research.
This project will be led by a Postdoctoral research Fellow at CQU, and will investigate the impacts of these threats, in particular invasive species and rising temperatures, on the survival, behaviour, and reproductive success of CYCs. In addition, we will further our understanding of the habitat that CYC rely on for foraging and breeding, particularly during heat waves and other extreme weather events that are set to increase into the future. Findings from this project will provide important information that can be used by stakeholders and conservationists to help protect and manage the CYC.
Future management of the CYC will be informed by these findings, but could include the removal of invasive predators, the purchase and protection of suitable breeding habitat, and/or a translocation or captive breeding programme. This project will involve collaboration and cooperation with multiple stakeholders, including Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, the Australian Defence Force, local landowners, community groups, and Natural Resource Managers. This project will contribute to several UN sustainable development goals, including industry, innovation and infrastructure, climate action, life on land, and partnerships for the goals.