Burnett Mary Regional Group (BMRG) has received funding to undertake a comprehensive survey of the vulnerable black-breasted button-quail (Turnix melanogaster) at Wongi Waterholes and Lenthalls Dam, in partnership with Fraser Coast Council.

Leveraging local expertise and advanced technologies such as GIS, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, acoustic monitoring, and machine learning, the project will collect critical data on species presence, distribution, and habitat condition. This information will inform long-term conservation strategies, support the Council’s environmental sustainability objectives, and help protect vital ecosystem services.

The survey will also assess potential threats, evaluate habitat quality, and establish a strong baseline for ongoing monitoring and effective habitat management.

The Black-Breasted Button Quail Monitoring project is funded by the Fraser Coast Regional Council.