Welcome to Save The Gouldian Fund
Recent estimates suggest that less than 2500 Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae) remain in the wild. Although once common throughout northern tropical Australia (Northern Savannas), recent declines now mean that the Gouldian finch is pretty much extinct in Queensland and restricted to small and isolated populations in the Northern Territory and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.
In 1992 the Gouldian finch was classified as endangered because of the dramatic declines in their numbers and range. Large-scale changes (mismanagement) of their native habitat are thought to be the primary cause. However, we know surprisingly little about the Gouldian finch, its habitat or the current threats to its survival.
This is where Save The Gouldian Fund comes in. STGF was established in 2005 by well known Gouldian lover, aviculturist and conservationist Mike Fidler, together with his wife Elisabeth and Tasmanian aviculturist Marcus Pollard, to promote awareness and fund valuable research into the decline of the Gouldian finch. The Fund is associated with a number of high-profile scientists (see the scientists page), who are currently providing great insight into the biology, ecology and conservation of this species (see research page).
The Gouldian finch is also one of the most popular ornamental birds to be kept by bird breeders throughout the world – perhaps because of their amazing plumage colours and their comical antics. By recruiting and using aviculturists to help protect wild Gouldians, Save The Gouldian Fund aims to reverse the negative media image of bird keeping. The Fund will also continually provide up-to-date information for bird breeders (from our current scientific research) to further enhance the practice of aviculture (see aviculture articles) and the well being of all captive Gouldians.
We hope that you will all get behind us and help us learn more about this iconic Australian species so that we can save this species in the wild (before it is too late).
Save The Gouldian Fund is a non-profit charity and all donations are used for research and conservation management. Please help us to help the Gouldian finch by becoming a STGF supporter.