Phillip Island Nature Parks
Returning the bush stone-curlew to Phillip Island (Milawul)
Phillip Island, known in the Boonwurrung language as Milawul, is a 10,000-ha island off south-eastern Victoria, connected to the mainland by a 600m long bridge. It has a population of approximately 13,800 permanent residents and is a major national and international tourist destination.
In collaboration with Phillip Island Nature Parks, we are working together to reintroduce bush stone-curlews onto the island. PhD candidate, Paula Wasiak is researching how to test and evaluate reintroduction strategies and tactics for bush stone-curlews. The research will assess the trial and reinforcement releases over a three-year period to refine the tactics for future releases. The progress of the birds will be assessed based on their survival rates, habitat use, movement patterns and reproductive success.
The current population estimate in Victoria is 50–100 individuals, and if successful, Phillip Island could make a substantial contribution to the population.
Project highlights
The project has progressed through four releases to date, with a fifth and final release still to come.
The first release took place in August 2024, with 12 pilot birds introduced. This was followed by a second release of 24 birds in April 2025, which included two treatment groups: one group had prior semi-wild experience in a fenced haven at Mt Rothwell, while the other transitioned directly from captivity to the wild.
A smaller third release of eight birds took place in spring 2025, serving as a group of “spring reinforcers” to support the population. The fourth release, in June 2026, involved 14 birds, half with clipped wings and half with intact wings, allowing us to investigate the effects of wing clipping. Prior to this release, all birds had their wings clipped to help keep them anchored on the island. The fourth release also introduced birds from sanctuaries across Australia, helping to strengthen the genetic diversity of the population.
The fifth and final release is now on the horizon, marking another important milestone in the project.
Looking to the future
This program will contribute to the recovery of the bush stone-curlew across south-eastern Australia through collaborative partnerships and supports the Nature Parks’ commitment to restoring biodiversity on Phillip Island (Milawul) under the Threatened Species Plan (2019).
The primary goal is to establish a self-sustaining population of bush stone-curlews, helping restore ecological function on the island. As a long-term conservation program, meaningful outcomes will take time, with ongoing monitoring, research and collaboration essential to its success.
