Albert's lyrebird  (Menura alberti)

This area of eastern Australia was witness to much deforestation in the 19th century. Today the major threats to the survival of Albert’s lyrebird come from forest management practices, such as proposed Eucalyptus plantations (2). Albert’s lyrebird is a rainforest specialist, which appears unable to disperse between areas of unsuitable habitat. The resulting isolated subpopulations are at risk from disease or natural disasters, such as the fires that periodically sweep through the region (3).

Population studies have been carried our in order to assess the precise risk to this species (2). The protection of the limited viable habitat that remains will be vital in securing the survival of this intriguing bird. The lyrebird is the emblem of the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service (4).