The distribution and status of the western subspecies of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus)

Abstract

Knowledge of the distribution of a species, although fundamental for directing conservation, is often lacking for rare or declining species or those occurring in remote locations. The western subspecies of the Purple-crowned Fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus coronatus) is a riparian habitat specialist of the Kimberley and Victoria River regions of northern Australia. Although listed as vulnerable nationally, there is little information on its current distribution and population trends. We conducted a comprehensive survey across 14 river catchments within the potential distribution of the subspecies, and identified changes in distribution by comparing the results of the survey with historical rec..