About the project

Of the overall numbers of emus, a large proportion occur in the west of Australia. Along the east coast, the emu is no longer common, being known to avoid heavily populated areas and dense forest. Whilst no work has systematically assessed the potential threats to the emu in the east, limited evidence (predominately anecdotal) suggests the main threats are;

  • Increasing habitat fragmentation and isolation by development and agriculture (Merz 2013)
  • Being caught escaping inappropriate fire regimes (Nsw Scientific Committee 2011)
  • Road mortalities (Osborne and Green 1992, Ramp et al. 2005)
  • Deliberate killing (Nsw Scientific Committee 2011)
  • Predation of eggs and young by pigs, dogs and foxes (Nsw Scientific Committee 2011)
  • Altered population dynamics (Nsw Scientific Committee 2011)

A few small introduced populations remain east of the dividing range (the Eurobodalla, Tidbinbilla and Wianamatta Regional Park population), as well as one endemic population (Yuragir National Park), which has been classified as endangered. While there is no risk of endangerment to the species as a whole, the disappearance of the emu in these areas has significant implications for dispersal of seeds of native plants over long distance, which may alter plant community structure and genetic diversity, as well as having social implications (being an iconic Australian emblem). 
 
Whether these eastern populations are likely to persist is unclear (given the aforementioned threats). The distribution, density and sex ratios of these populations has not been estimated, which is vital for modelling the viability of these populations but also predicting how changes in population dynamics may affect reproductive success and their mating system. Predicting the viability of these populations will inform management strategies and suggest how populations can be manipulated to maintain viable numbers and dynamics.
 
This is what we aim to achieve in this project.

EmuSat is a data recording app where citizens and volunteers can record sightings of emus, chicks, nests and found feathers.
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Click here to open EmuSat