The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve: Final

RED-BACKED BUTTON-QUAIL TURNIX MACULOSA
EPBC Act: not listed TSC Act: Vulnerable Priority in Area: Nil as vagrant
Red-backed button-quail (dead individual found at
JKCR). Photo © B. Hope
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Occurrence in the Survey Area
Vagrant to JKCR. During the current survey, a single male
red-backed button-quail was found dead on the walking
path to Lucas Cave on 24/04/2011. This is a highly
unusual sighting as red-backed button-quail are typically
found in northern Australia with the southern limit being
northern NSW. Red-backed button-quail typically inhabit
grasslands and grassy savannah and therefore no
suitable habitat exists within the reserve. It is a vagrant to
JKCR, probably resulting from the widespread flooding of
prime habitat in south-east Queensland during the time of
the surveys. The specimen has been lodged with the
Australian Museum.
Regional Conservation Significance
Red-backed button-quail are now rare visitors/vagrants to
the region, though they may once have been regular visitors. They are occasionally seen on the
Cumberland Plain and Central Coast and in the grasslands of the Hunter Valley. The shrubby
woodlands and forests of the Southern Blue Mountains are not suitable habitat.
Threats in the Survey Area
No threats identified.
Management Considerations
No management required.
The Vertebrate Fauna of Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve