The Regent honeyeater population has declined dramatically as a result of habitat loss throughout its' range in South Eastern Australia. The species has evolved a highly complex (semi-nomadic) movement strategy, which allows it to exploit patches of rich flowering in a small number of Eucalyptus tree species. Because of the large area individuals cover and the unpredictable patterns of their movement, Regent honeyeaters are a very difficult species to monitor.

Our research aims to develop a robust monitoring strategy in the core of the Regent honeyeater's range in the greater Blue Mountains. This monitoring will allow more accurate estimates of population change, increase our understanding of the ecology of the species, and prioritise conservation actions to help prevent extinction in the wild.

A long term goal of the project is to uncover the movement patterns of the species. This is the 'holy grail' of regent honeyeater conservation. After departing from known breeding grounds, we have very little idea of where the birds go. We hope that, within 2 years, tracking technolgies will allow us to finally start to uncover how, and why, Regent honeyeaters move within their range. This information will prove vital for assisting their recovery in the wild.

http://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/about-us/people/ross-crates