In 2020, Paddy Pallin partnered with the Australian Geographic Society to raise funds for the protection of the Gouldian Finch, Australia’s winged jewels.

Once found across northern Australia in their millions, populations of the Gouldian Finch had dramatically declined, and they are now classified as endangered. Vital research has identified that one of the main causes of decline is extensive bushfires in the late dry season in the Kimberley. These hot wildfires destroy tree hollows, which finches use for nesting, and limit the availability of grass seed at key times during the year.

Effective conservation involving prescribed burning regimes and removal of feral herbivores has seen initial breeding success, giving hope for a return of this beautiful bird to our northern skies.

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