DEC burn to protect Kimberley Gouldian finch's nesting grounds RING OF FIRE: DEC is conducting a burn around the nesting grounds of the colourful Gouldian finch of the WA Kimberley. Picture: Dave Bettini Source: PerthNow A PRESCRIBED burn to protect the breeding habitat of endangered Gouldian finches is underway at the Bastion Range near Wyndham, in the far north of WA. The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is burning a fire break at the base of the Bastion Range to try and prevent destructive dry season bushfires from destroying the colourful finches" nesting trees and grass feed. DEC Kimberley regional fire ecologist Ian Radford said fire and cattle grazing had caused Gouldian finch populations to decline dramatically across northern Australia. "These rare and beautiful birds are now only found in a few refuge habitats, such as those at Wyndham," Dr Radford said. "Fire impacts on the Northern White Gums with their nesting hollows and on grass seed availability, which makes up the finches" diet. The Bastion burns almost every year in the late dry season, which causes Gouldian finches to abandon their breeding areas the following year. We are hoping that by burning this fire break early, before the fire season is upon us, we can prevent the loss of important breeding habitat. The prescribed burn will also assist a significant research project being conducted by DEC, Charles Darwin University and the Australian National University at the Gouldian finches" breeding site. "The research, which is supported by the Federal Government's Biodiversity Fund, is investigating the importance of fire on grass seed production as food for Gouldian finches," Dr Radford said. We need to protect the grass at this breeding site to allow studies to continue. Dr Radford said the fire break would run along the base of the Bastion Range from Hugo Austla Drive through to Radio Hill Road in Wyndham. The burn is just north of Three Mile Creek, Wyndham Caravan Park and Great Northern Highway between the Wyndham town site and Wyndham Port. "Smoke problems should be minimal, but signs have been placed on the Bastion Road to warn motorists of a potential visibility hazard," he said.