In the arid red gum landscapes of the Murray River, one of Australia’s most endangered parrots is finding new hope – thanks to a bold partnership between science, government, and agriculture.
The Regent Parrot, with its brilliant yellow feathers and blue-black wings, has long been under threat. Land clearing and habitat fragmentation across the Murray-Darling Basin have decimated the mallee shrublands and river red gums essential to its survival. These parrots nest in tree hollows1 and forage far afield in low-growing mallee, making them particularly vulnerable to the spatial separation of these key habitats. When foraging grounds lie more than 20km from nesting trees, breeding success plummets to virtually zero.2
Recognising the urgent need to act, Duxton Vineyards, a major grape grower in the Sunraysia region, has stepped up as a key partner in the NSW Government’s Saving our Species (SoS) program. While not directly funded by the government, Duxton provides the land for restoration efforts, while the NSW Government supplies native tubestock and supports direct seeding to regenerate vital habitat.
Duxton’s Euston property, which borders the large Peacock Creek Regent Parrot colony, is now a focal point for recovery. Over 23 hectares of native vegetation, primarily mallee species, have already been planted within five kilometres of nesting sites. This strategic revegetation creates closer foraging zones for male parrots, which are responsible for feeding incubating females and chicks during the long breeding season.
These efforts are being closely monitored by the Difficult Bird Research Group at the Australian National University. Data gathered on nest success and chick survival will help validate this hands-on approach and could inform similar restoration models across New South Wales and beyond.
This isn’t just about one bird. It’s about a broader ecological vision – and how Australia’s agricultural sector can become part of the solution to biodiversity loss. Duxton Vineyards manages over 1,400 hectares of vineyards and processes more than 50,000 tonnes of fruit annually. Yet despite its scale, the company is deeply invested in environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.
Through investments in solar energy, native fish protection, tyre recycling, and water-efficient infrastructure, Duxton is demonstrating that large-scale farming can co-exist with ecological care. Their sustainability credentials are backed by membership in Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
As the climate and biodiversity crises continue to intensify, integrated partnerships like this one between Duxton Vineyards, the NSW Government, and scientific researchers provide a roadmap for action. Saving the Regent Parrot isn’t just about protecting one species – it’s about restoring the health and resilience of an entire landscape. And if that can be achieved while growing award-winning wine? All the better.
References:
- Baker-Gabb, D. and Hurley, V.G., (2011), National Recovery Plan for the Regent Parrot (eastern subspecies) Polytelis anthopeplus monarchoides. Department of Sustainability and Environment, Melbourne. < https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/regent-parrot.pdf>
- Harper M.J., (2020) Maximising Water Delivery for Regent Parrot Outcomes – Water for the Environment Program. Prepared by the South Australian Regent Parrot Recovery Team for the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, Australian Department of Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/maximising-water-delivery-regent-parrot-outcomes.pdf
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