Painted Snipe - Rostratula benghalensis australis

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Painted Snipe - Rostratula benghalensis australis

[Public Domain] 20 Jan 2006 Dylan O'Donnell
CATEGORY : Species
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The sighting of these birds is significant, as Painted Snipe are officially classified as ”Nationally Vulnerable” and are one of the rarest birds in Australia today. The two pictured here of the five I witnessed today represent an entire quarter of the currently known-to-exist population of a mere eight individuals.

In recent years fewer and fewer sightings have occurred, and the few that have been made have dwindled during the drought years. For this reason, my journey to witness the Painted Snipe was exclusive and secretive, lest this fragile species is disturbed and pushed into the last stages of complete extinction.

As a result, the location and my sources will remain undisclosed.

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