The Purple-crowned Fairy-wren Malurus coronatus. I. History, Distribution and Present Status

Summary

The two subspecies of Purple-crowned Fairy- wrens Malurus coronatus coronatus (Kimberleyan) and M. c. macgillivrayi (Carpentarian) occupy very restricted riverside vegetation across the Wet-Dry tropics of northern Australia between the 400 mm and 1000 mm isohyets; they are separated by 200 km of unsuitable habitat. The history of settlement, land degradation and the current status of these birds is dealt with in five localities. The Kimberleyan subspecies is estimated to be below 7000 individuals, to be vulnerable and in need of conservation measures. The Carpentarian subspecies is at least twice as numerous and is not threatened at present; its future status will need monitoring because of its restricted habitat. In the past decade several new national parks that are strategically well placed for populations of M. coronatus have been gazetted. Even more importantly, land management appears to be moving out of the exploitive, habitat degrading stage towards practices that minimise erosion and maintain the riverside as a renewable resource. This should benefit the survival of the species, especially M. c. coronatus.