DNA breakthrough for elusive Rufous Scrub-bird in NSW

A ground-breaking collaboration between the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and Australian National University (ANU) has successfully captured and collected DNA from one of Australia’s most elusive birds - the endangered Rufous Scrub-bird.

Found only in isolated pockets of montane rainforest in subtropical NSW and south-east Queensland, the Rufous Scrub-bird is notoriously difficult to locate.

However, in August 2025, a dedicated team led by ANU and supported by DCCEEW staff managed to capture not one but three individuals in just two days across Werrikimbe, Oxley Wild Rivers, and Barrington Tops National Parks.

The high-quality DNA samples will unlock the species’ genetic blueprint, a crucial first step for scientists in assessing population genetics and informing future conservation action.

This work will also enable extraction of useful DNA from older museum specimens, deepening the knowledge of this rare bird’s history and resilience.

DCCEEW provided $35,000 funding for the project which is part of the Saving our Species program.

Completing the genetic assessment will require additional samples from other populations, but this milestone marks significant progress for the recovery team.

DCCEEW Senior Threatened Species Officer Brian Hawkins said:

"This is a major step forward for Rufous Scrub-bird conservation. These birds are rarely seen and extremely difficult to trap, so obtaining DNA samples is a remarkable achievement.

"Sequencing the genome will help us understand the population structure of the species, which is vital for its long-term conservation.

"We’re proud to work with ANU and other partners to deliver this important research under the Saving our Species program.”

ANU Researcher, Dr Dejan Stojanovic said:

“Rufous Scrub-birds are endangered and their incredibly secretive lifestyle means we know so little about them.

“Capturing three of these birds is a huge breakthrough because it shows us that our methods work and gives a starting point for improved conservation of the species.

“Collaboration, creativity and persistence are the key to working on rufous scrub birds - we hope that this new genetic information will help us understand the species’ needs and what we need to do to help them.”