Critically endagered species recorded in surveys

But while the lush growth had transformed the landscape, it also made wildlife harder to detect, with numbers of many observed species lower than in previous years.

Despite this, the team recorded several significant sightings at the Bael Bael and Yassom Swamp Nature Conservation Reserves.

Most notably, critically endangered Plains-wanderers were detected for the third consecutive year. Five birds were observed, including a father with chicks - an encouraging sign that the species is not only persisting at Bael Bael but successfully breeding.

“They’re the Holy Grail of grassland critters. And to not just find them in the reserve, but evidence of successful breeding there as well means that the work the Parks Victoria team has been doing is paying off,” Andrej said.

Other bird species were also found across the reserves, including Banded Lapwings, Blue Bonnets, White-winged Fairywrens, Stubble Quail and Tree Martins. Some of these species were found to be nesting, the timing of which was unusual, likely triggered by the recent rainfall and burst of vegetation.

There were also increases in sightings of other grassland specialists. Curl Snakes and Fat-tailed Dunnarts were recorded, with the latter reappearing for the first time in two years. An endangered legless lizard, the Hooded Scaly-foot, was also detected for the third year running.

The importance of volunteers and citizen science

The decade of data gathering surveys has built a clearer picture of how this special ecosystem functions. 

Together, scientists and volunteers have added around 80 new fauna species to the Bael Bael Grassland list via the surveys, while also tracking long-term trends of the dynamic grasslands.

“We’ve now collected 10 years of data from this reserve, each year following the exact same paths as the year before,” Andrej said.

“It’s given us a great understanding of how the grasslands have changed over time. This data then feeds directly into Parks Victoria staff who can use it to make informed decisions.”

“Knowing that the data we’re collecting is actually being used to inform conservation decisions makes the whole experience so worthwhile.”

Dr Mark Antos, Parks Victoria’s Conservation, Science and Insights Manager, said citizen science helped researchers and land managers understand what is happening in nature.

“Volunteer citizen scientists play an important role in helping Parks Victoria manage the different landscapes and ecosystems across our state.They gather important data which increases our understanding of where attention should be directed." Dr Antos said.

“We’d particularly like to thank the many dedicated citizen science groups, like the Field Naturalists Club, who partner with us regularly to achieve this."

"I’d encourage anyone who has an interest in learning more about the natural world around them to consider joining one of these groups – the data gathered is invaluable, and you'll have a great time doing it.”

Image: Volunteering with citizen science groups, like the Field Naturalists Club, is great way to learn more about the world around you. Photo: Mark Antos.

As the program now enters its second decade, the value of this work will only continue to grow. At the same time, it demonstrates the powerful contribution citizen scientists and volunteers can make to conservation.

“You don’t need a background in ecology or conservation to join the Field Naturalists, it’s open to everyone, and we’re all about learning together and skilling-up,” Andrej said.

“Some of our members have been involved for 50-60 years, and while they may not have a formal background in ecology, they do have decades of experience thanks to the Field Nats.”

In a landscape where so little native grassland remains, every insight matters.

And thanks to a decade of collaboration between scientists, rangers and volunteers, Bael Bael is continuing to reveal its secrets - one survey at a time.

Sign up for our regular Conservation and Science Newsletter to hear from Parks Victoria Chief Scientist Dr Mark Norman about what discoveries are happening in our parks and reserves, direct to your inbox.