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Welcome to the Wilderlands project report for the Alleena project detailing the various monitoring activities undertaken as part of the management plan and offering insights into the outcomes and findings at each of the monitoring sites within the property.
This report has been developed by Wilderlands Lead Ecologist, Deanna Marshall.
Wilderlands acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Alleena Project, the Wiradjuri people, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We recognise and respect their deep ongoing connection to land, water and culture.
We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Cassinia Environmental and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust, with special appreciation for the dedicated staff members who shared valuable information regarding the biodiversity on the property.
Wilderlands would especially like to acknowledge and thank a number of amazing volunteers including Philip Hughes, Adrian Martins and Peter Morison who contributed to the collection of biodiversity data during 2024.
To begin this report we share this mini documentary which details some of the activities that have taken place during spring monitoring of this project in recent years.
The Alleena Project, situated at the core of the NSW Riverina, lies 20km southwest of West Wyalong.
Covering 497 hectares, this protected area has been under the ownership and management of Cassinia Environmental since 2020, and is operating as a dedicated conservation reserve which is permanent protection through a covenant with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT).
Complementing the substantial revegetation efforts spanning 444 hectares on the property, as well as the neighbouring South West Woodland Nature Reserve – Buddigower and Buddigower Conservation Reserve, the Alleena Project contributes significantly to conservation at the landscape scale.
At Alleena, two threatened ecological communities were present within the project area.
These communities were Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion – which is considered critically endangered under NSW conservation legislation; and Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina, NSW South Western Slopes, Cobar Peneplain, Nandewar and Brigalow Belt South Bioregions – considered endangered under NSW conservation legislation.
The native plant diversity in Alleena reached a total of 184 species, whilst there is an incredibly rich assemblage of avian species with the native bird diversity at 100 species with the addition of Brown Falcon, Flame Robin, Superb Fairy-wren and Varied Sitella in 2024.
Among these, rare and endangered species documented at the project are the Brown Treecreeper, Gilbert’s Whistler, Grey-crowned Babbler, Pink Cockatoo, Scarlet Robin, Spotted Harrier, Superb Parrot and White-fronted Chat.
How Wilderlands monitor the flora at the Alleena
Eleven monitoring sites were established by the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT) at the Alleena Project and have been utilised by Wilderlands as part of the ecological monitoring program which aims to monitor environmental change and contribute to the understanding of biodiversity management at the property scale.
Wilderlands performed flora monitoring across all eleven monitoring sites in Spring, with each permanently marked with two star pickets, one at the 0m point and one at the 50m point on the midline transect. These star pickets also double as photo monitoring points with the images providing a visual representation of the condition of the vegetation at each site.
Click the sections below to see the results from each site.
CA0503 P1 (Honeyeater) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands vegetation class (mallee) and contains an example of the critically endangered ecological community – Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion. A range of age-classes were present in the tree layer, including Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) saplings and hollow-bearing trees. An average litter cover of 68% was recorded in the 5 x 1m2 sub-plots. The tree canopy was a mix of Green Mallee (E.viridis) and Blue-leaved Mallee (E.polybractea). A moderately dense shrub layer was present with Broom Bush (Melaleuca uncinata) and Cough Bush (Cassinia laevis) dominating. Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) was also present. Grasses dominated the relatively open ground layer with Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma spp.) and Spear-grasses (Austrostipa spp.), and a mix of forbs and rock ferns were also present. Smooth Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris glabra), an exotic herb, was present in low density. Dung assessments indicated an average of 0.2 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring site CA0503 P2 (Honeyeater) was located within the Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests (Box Ironbark – Callitris) vegetation class. There were hollowing bearing trees recorded in the 1,000m2 plot and an average litter cover of 66% in the 5 x 1m2 sub-plots was also recorded. The quadrat had a canopy of White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla) and Mugga Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon) with a moderately dense shrub layer dominated by Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata), Cough Bush (Cassinia laevis), Kangaroo Thorn (Acacia paradoxa), Hill Tea Tree (Leptospermum divaricatum) and Golden Wattle (Acacia pycnantha). The ground layer was dominated by Spear-grass (Austrostipa sp.) with a mix of various forbs including Blue Flax-lily (Dianella revoluta var. revoluta). Exotic plants recorded included Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris radicata), Mediterranean Stork’s-bill (Erodium botrys) and Fescue (Vulpia sp.). Dung assessments indicated an average of 10.4 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
CA503 P3 (Honeyeater) was located within the Floodplain Transition Woodlands vegetation class (Grey Box) and contains an example of the threatened ecological community – Inland Grey Box Woodland. There was one large mature hollow bearing tree present, and an average litter cover of 3% in the 5 x 1m2 sub-plots. The main tree species in this plot were Grey Box (Eucalyptus macrocarpa) with occasional Drooping Wattle (Acacia difformis) present. The shrub layer was non-existent. The groundlayer was dominated by weeds, particularly Patterson’s Curse (Echium plantagineum), Rye Grass (Lolium sp.), Thistles (Cirsium & Carduus spp.) and Horehound (Marrubium vulgare). A low cover of natives was also present in the ground layer including Knob Sedge (Carex inversa), Stinking Pennywort (Hydrocotyle laxiflora), and various rushes (Juncus spp.). Dung assessments indicated an average of 0.4 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0504 P1 (Warbler) was located within the Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forests (Box-Ironbark-Callitris) vegetation class. The 20x50m plot had four different tree size classes present (less than 80cm DBHOB) and hollow-bearing trees were recorded. There was an average litter cover of 92% was present in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots. The tree canopy consisted of Grey Box (Eucalyptus microcarpa), with an understory of Wedge-leaf Hop-bush (Dodonaea viscosa subsp. cuneata) and Drooping Wattle (Acacia difformis). The ground layer was dominated by native grasses (Austrostipa sp. & Rytidosperma sp.) and Stinking Pennywort (Hydrocotyle laxiflora), with numerous other native forbs present in low numbers. Exotic weeds such as Mediterranean Stork’s-bill (Erodium botrys) and Fescue (Vulpia sp.) were also present in the plot. Dung assessments indicated an average 8.4 macropod pellets in 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0504 P2 (Warbler) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class and contains an example of the critically endangered ecological community – Mallee and Mallee-Broombush dominated woodland and shrubland, lacking Triodia, in the NSW South Western Slopes Bioregion. There were hollow-bearing trees recorded in the plot. The plot supports a sparse canopy of Dwyer’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus dwyeri) with a dense, diverse shrub layer consisting of Broom Bush (Melaleuca uncinata), Common Fringe-myrtle (Calytrix tetragona), Seven Dwarfs Grevillea (Grevillea floribunda) and Shrubby Platysace (Platysace lanceolata). The sparse groundlayer was a mix of native forbs and grasses with Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.), Greenhood Orchids (Pterostylis sp) and Hill Raspwort (Gonocarpus elatus) predominant. There were no introduced species recorded in this plot. There was an average litter cover of 47% in the 5 x 1m2 plots and dung assessments indicated an average of 3.3 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0505 P1 (Thornbill) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. Most of the tree canopy was made up of trees less than 20cm in diameter. There were no hollow-bearing trees recorded in the plot. The tree canopy was predominantly Dwyer’s Red Gum (Eucalyptus dwyeri) with Mugga Ironbark (E.sideroxylon) and Green Mallee (E.viridis) also present. A dense shrub layer dominated by Dagger-leaved Wattle (Acacia rhigiophylla) with occasional Tea Tree (Leptospermum multicaule) and Urn Heath (Melichrys urceolatus) also present. The relatively open groundlayer is a mix of native grasses and forbs with Spear-grasses (Austrostipa spp.), Hill Raspwort (Gonocarpus elatus) and Scarlet Sundew (Drosera glanduligera) being predominant. There was an average litter cover of 67% in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots and dung assessments indicated an average of 3.5 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0505 P2 (Thornbill) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. Although no trees over 50cm diameter were recorded in the plot, there were hollow-bearing trees recorded. There was an average litter cover of 92% in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots. The quadrat comprised a canopy of Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) with a moderately dense shrub layer predominantly made up of Cough Bush (Cassinia laevis) and a few Wattles (Acacia spp.). The ground layer was Spear-grass (Austrostipa spp.) and Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.) with a lower cover Saloop (Einadia hastata), Small Purslane (Calandrinia eremaea) and Leek Lily (Bulbine semibarbata). A very low cover of weeds was recorded including Argentine Cress (Lepidium bonariense). Dung assessments indicated an average of 3.0 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0506 P1 (Babbler) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. Most of the trees present had stems 10-19cm in diameter with hollow-bearing trees recorded. There was an average litter cover of 85% was present in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots. The tree canopy was predominantly Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) with Grey Box (E.microcarpa) also present. No shrub layer was recorded in the quadrat. The ground layer was predominantly Spear-grass (Austrostipa sp.), with a lesser cover of Wallaby Grass (Rytidosperma sp.) and Clustered Everlasting (Chrysocephalum apiculatum). Exotic forbs were recorded in very low numbers and included Smooth Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris glabra). Dung assessments indicated an average of 2.4 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots. 
Monitoring Site CA0506 P2 (Babbler) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. While most of the tree layer had stem diameters less than 30cm, hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the 1,000m2 plot. There was an average litter cover of 69% in the 5x1m2 sub plots. The 20m x 20m quadrat supported a canopy of Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) with one Mugga Ironbark (E.sideroxylon). There was a very sparse mid-storey with Quandong (Santalum acuminatum), Cough Bush (Cassinia laevis) and immature Kurrajong (Brachychiton populneus). The ground layer was dominated by Spear-grass (Austrostipa sp.) with a low cover of Ivy Goodenia (Goodenia hederacea subsp. hederacea), Wallaby-grass (Rytidosperma spp.) and numerous other native forbs. Exotic forbs consisted Smooth Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris glabra). Dung assessments indicated an average of 5.8 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0506 P3 (Babbler) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. There were hollow-bearing trees recorded and most of the trees were less than 20cm in diameter. There was an average litter cover of 79% was recorded in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots. The monitoring site supported a canopy predominantly of Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis) with a lesser cover of Mugga Ironbark (Eucalyptus sideroxylon). There was one individual Streaked Wattle (Acacia lineata) present, and the understory consisted of native Spear-grass (Austrostipa sp.) and Wallaby Grasses (Rytidosperma sp.), with a mix of native forbs present including Small Purslane (Calandrinia eremaea). Low numbers of exotic forbs were recorded including Smooth Cat’s Ear (Hypochaeris glabra). Dung assessments indicated an average of 7.6 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
Monitoring Site CA0507 P1 (Whistler) was located within the Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands (mallee) vegetation class. While most of the tree layer had stem sizes less than 30cm in diameter, hollow-bearing trees were recorded in the 1,000m2 plot. There was an average litter cover of 48% present in the 5 x 1m2 sub plots. The tree canopy comprised exclusively Green Mallee (Eucalyptus viridis), and there was no shrub layer present. The ground layer comprised native Spear-grass (Austrostipa spp.) and Wallaby grass (Rytidosperma spp.) Forb cover was very low, the main species being Austral Sunray (Triptilodiscus pygmaeus). Dung assessments indicated an average of 4.1 macropod pellets in the 10 x 1m2 sub plots.
The results across each monitoring site
The monitoring revealed that Site CA0503 P2 (Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands – Mallee) was the most floristically diverse monitoring site with 34 native plant species recorded in the 20m x 20m quadrat. Conversely, Site CA0506 P3 (Inland Rocky Hill Woodlands – Mallee) had the lowest floristic diversity.
When comparing flora species richness across the monitoring sites in 2023 and 2024, species richness in 2023, represented by lighter blue bars, was higher at many sites compared to 2024, depicted by darker blue bars. The most significant declines in 2024 were observed at CA0504 P1, CA0506 P1, CA0506 P2, CA0506 P3, and CA0507 P1, all of which are predominantly situated in the southern portion of the property. Various factors may influence year-to-year fluctuations in species richness, and only through long-term monitoring can we begin to understand these patterns.
Point-intercept cover assessments measure the vegetation structure.
This allows for monitoring the health and quality of the ground cover in the monitoring plots. The prevalence of litter and bare ground in some of the sites suggests reduced vegetation cover, likely from historic land use and impacts from both introduced and native herbivores (deer, hare, kangaroo etc). Not surprisingly, monitoring site CA0503 P3 (Floodplain Transition Woodland) was dominated by exotic vascular plant cover, a site that has had a long history of stock grazing.
Insights into the structural differences in native vegetation cover across the monitoring sites can be seen below.
Most of the monitoring sites are dominated by vegetation in the 1-3m height range, particularly CA0504 P2 which has a dense cover of Broombush and Dagger Wattle. Taller vegetation (3-5m and >5m) is more prevalent in some of the monitoring sites, such as CA0503P3 (Floodplain Transition Woodland) with large Grey Box present as a canopy species and CA0505P2, a mallee woodland with Cassinia in the understory.
Several sites lack significant taller vegetation (>5m), including CA0504 P1, CA0504 P2, CA505 P1 and CA507 P1.
Take a breath and enjoy the sounds of Alleena before enjoying the rest of this report.
Fauna Monitoring
Bird Monitoring
BirdLife Australia pioneered the Bird Atlas method, which involves the recording of bird species and the count of individual birds within a 2-hectare area during a 20-minute observation period.
This approach has been adopted by individuals across the country, culminating in the creation of the nation’s most extensive biological database.
For the Alleena Project, bird species and numbers were recorded 50m either side of a 200m transect (2ha) over 20 minutes at each of the 11 sites, during both winter and spring. Data was entered into the Birdata app. Additionally, incidental species lists for the property were compiled during both winter and spring visits and entered into the Birdata app.
Reporting rates from the 2024 2ha-20min surveys show the most frequently recorded species as Rufous Whistler (36%), Noisy Miner (63%), White-eared Honeyeater (54%), Grey Butcherbird (45%), and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (40%).
New bird species records for the property in 2024 included: Brown Falcon, Flame Robin, Superb Fairy-wren and Varied Sitella.
In total, 592 birds of 49 species were recorded within the monitoring sites throughout 2024.
Furthermore, 15 additional bird species were recorded outside of the designated monitoring sites and periods.
This cumulative effort resulted in the identification of 64 native bird species for the Alleena Project in 2024 and brings the total avian diversity of the property up to 102 species.
Noisy Miner was the most numerous and widespread bird in the Wilderlands Alleena Project during the 2024 monitoring season.
In total, 592 birds of 49 species were recorded within the monitoring sites throughout 2024.
During winter, 217 birds of 30 species were recorded in eleven monitoring sites. Among these, the most abundant bird species during the winter season included Noisy Miner, White-eared Honeyeater and Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater.
During spring, 375 birds of 41 species were recorded in eleven monitoring sites. Among these, the most abundant bird species during the spring season were Noisy Miner and White-winged Chough.
When compared to 2023 monitoring period, Noisy Miner records increased substantially during 2024 and conversely, Painted Button-quail fell significantly.
Several species were recorded in the monitoring data for the first time in 2024 including: Apostlebird, Australian Owlet-nightjar, Buff-rumped Thornbill, Gilbert’s Whistler, Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo, Major Mitchell’s Cockatoo, Sacred Kingfisher, Straw-necked Ibis, Superb Fairy-wren, Superb Parrot, Tawny Frogmouth, Varied Sittella, Wedge-tailed Eagle, and Yellow-rumped Thornbill.
Species not reported in the 2024 monitoring data but were recorded in 2023 included: Brown Quail, Chestnut-rumped Thornbill, Eastern Yellow Robin, Pied Currawong, Red Wattlebird, White-plumed Honeyeater, and Yellow Thornbill.
Additionally, Brown Quail and Red Wattlebird were not recorded or observed on the property during 2024.
These observations may suggest subtle environmental factors affecting these species or regional variation, but with limited years of data to compare, it is too premature to make inferences.
Bird Richness and Abundance by Site
During winter, Site CA0506 P2 (Inland Rocky Hills Woodland – mallee) had the highest species richness, while Sites CA0503 P2 (Western Slopes Dry Sclerophyll Forest – Box-Ironbark/Callitris) and CA0506 P2 (Inland Rocky Hills Woodland – mallee) had the highest species abundance.
During spring, CA0505 P2 (Inland Rocky Hills Woodland – mallee) had the highest species richness and CA0507 P1 (Inland Rocky Hills Woodland – mallee) had the highest species abundance.
As expected, these results suggest a strong seasonal influence on both bird species richness and abundance, with spring being a period of greater avian activity.
This could be attributed to favourable conditions such as warmer weather, increased food availability, or breeding activity.
The variation across sites may reflect habitat differences or ecological factors influencing bird populations in each area. Long-term data sets will assist in the future interpretation of these results.
Remote Cameras
Three remote cameras were deployed on the project site.
Over an average of 47 trap nights, Eastern Grey Kangaroo and Swamp Wallaby were the most frequently recorded species, along with Yellow-footed Antechinus.
Fallow Deer, an introduced pest species, were recorded on the property for the first time.
Protect precious biodiversity at Alleena. Forever. One square metre at a time.
The Alleena Project, situated at the core of the NSW Riverina, lies 20km southwest of West Wyalong.
Covering 497 hectares, this protected area has been under the ownership and management of Cassinia Environmental since 2020, operating as a dedicated conservation reserve.
The property has permanent protection through a covenant with the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT). Complementing the substantial revegetation efforts spanning 444 hectares on the property, as well as the neighbouring State Forest and the nearby Buddigower Conservation Reserve, the Alleena Project contributes significantly to conservation at the landscape scale.
The preservation of less than 2% of remnant vegetation in conservation reserves underscores the significance of this project within the broader landscape context.NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT)
As well as protecting these species, the project is addressing the decline of the suite of birds dependent on intact woodland ecosystems for foraging and nesting. These once common woodland birds, such as the Dusky Woodswallow Artamus cyanopterus cyanopterus, are now found almost exclusively in small, scattered remnants of habitat on private land, within State Forests or Nature Reserves.
Typical of many such farms within the region, the property was historically utilized for cropping and sheep grazing. The restoration of previously cleared land commenced in 2013 with the direct seeding of almost 850ha with local tree and shrub species.
Although Dusky Woodswallow and other threatened species also utilise whatever little habitat remains on private or public land, such remnants are unprotected and subject to further clearing and degradation.
Consequently, conservation management strategies designed to halt the decline of woodland birds towards extinction include actions such as conserving remnant habitat on private land (preferably through in-perpetuity covenants), restoring degraded sites, preserving or establishing connectivity across the landscape, and expanding habitat through revegetation activities.
Connect with our team to discover how you can join Wilderlands and protect this project today.
