The squatter pigeon is one of the bread and butter species in e2m’s ecological work. In recent years, our focus has expanded beyond on ground management to include targeted research that deepens our understanding of where this species occurs, the pressures it faces, and how best to monitor it into the future.
Distribution and key threats
To better understand squatter pigeon ecology, we modelled both historical and contemporary habitat. These models allowed us to pinpoint the species’ key threats and confirm what field ecologists have long suspected: fox predation is the primary threat. This research is currently undergoing peer review for publication and will help guide more effective conservation strategies.
Habitat Preferences
Working in collaboration with industry partners, e2m has developed and published evidence-based habitat mapping rules for squatter pigeon. Our findings show that the species:
- Eucalypt woodlands within ~1.7 km of permanent water
- Selects nesting sites within 245 m of water
- Sandy soils on gentle to flat slopes
- Mostly near trees, but can extend ~300 m into cleared areas
These insights allow land managers and environmental practitioners to more accurately identify and protect suitable habitat.
Monitoring
e2m is leading the way in developing call based and image detection monitoring tools that enable squatter pigeon populations to be assessed remotely. These technologies are most effective when placed near permanent water, where the species regularly returns to drink.
By improving our monitoring capability, we are helping deliver more efficient, consistent, and scalable methods for detecting and tracking this nationally significant species.
For more information or to collaborate on research and management solutions contact us today