Matt Herring, Ecologist
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Welcome to Murray Wildlife

Murray Wildlife is a biodiversity research, education and conservation consultancy, led by Wildlife Ecologist Matt Herring. We specialise in wildlife conservation on farms, community engagement, wetland management and ecology, and waterbird conservation.

In our modern world ...

"The best thing we can do for nature is simply spend more time in it. From there, reverence grows and action flows.”

M. Herring, 2013.

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Bitterns In Rice Project

For all the latest news and updates on the Bitterns in Rice Project, head over to the website: bitternsinrice.com.au

 

Bridging the gap between agriculture and wildlife conservation in the Murray-Darling Basin

Since 2012, the Bitterns in Rice Project has been uncovering the secrets of Australia’s ‘Bunyip Bird’ – the globally endangered Australasian Bittern – and raising awareness of its plight. We now know there is a breeding population using NSW Riverina rice crops that can reach well into the hundreds, which is remarkable. There are probably only about 2500 individuals remaining in three countries: Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

IMG_0605              Near Leeton Oct 2014 Matt Herring

The Bitterns in Rice Project has developed Bittern Friendly Rice Growing Tips and established a long term research and monitoring program with the support of hundreds of rice farmers. You can read more detail in this September 2014 article; Once Bittern Not Shy Of Rice. The Bitterns in Rice Project recently raised $65 000 in a crowdfunding campaign to satellite track bitterns. Where the population goes after harvest is a mystery.

IMG_0645         IMG_0628

For the latest updates, click on the links below.

Season Update Jan. 2015

Hundreds of Endangered Australian Painted Snipe Also Use Rice Fields

First Ever Bittern Friendly Rice Growing Trials Underway

Where do the bitterns go after rice harvest? Part 2

Tracking Bunyip Birds – Campaign Launch

Where do the bitterns go after rice harvest? Part 1

Bittern Friendly Rice Growing Tips

Bittern chicks going strong, more nests, drone trials and Grass Owls

Found! The proverbial needle: a bittern nest in a rice crop

Bitterns in rice research goes high-tech

Brolgas breeding in rice crops

rice landscape              BIRP Partners

The Bitterns in Rice Project is a collaboration between the Rice Growers’ Association of Australia and Birdlife Australia, with key support from the Riverina Local Land Services, Norman Wettenhall Foundation, Coleambally Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists Club, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, the Murray Local Land Services, Murray Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Landcare, and the New South Wales Office of Environment & Heritage.

 Morning dew Coleambally 54 Dec 2012 c                     Coora Wakool

The key findings from the 2012-2013 season can be found in this RIRDC report: Bitterns in Rice: a pilot study of the endangered Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) and its use of rice crops. 

You can follow the Bitterns in Rice Project on FacebookLogoOfficialApril2013-150x150

Bitterns Boom In Rice is a short film produced in 2013.

 

 

 

  • Bitterns In Rice Project
  • Kimberley Rangers
  • Wah Wah Water for Wildlife
  • Waorani Amazon
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