Life in the Cobar Peneplain
One of the undeniable perks of working in ecological consulting is the chance to explore new and often overlooked ecosystems. You never quite know where the job will take you — from windswept ocean shores to remote desert dunes. One place I likely never would have set foot in without this line of work is the Cobar Peneplain — a rugged, semi-arid region in western NSW. Despite its harsh, semi-arid conditions, the Cobar Peneplain supports resilient woodlands dominated by bimble box, belah, and mulga, with saltbush and spinifex filling the understory.
The vegetation throughout the peneplain has been shaped by a long history of sheep grazing, dating back to the 1800s following European settlement. Continuous grazing pressure, particularly during droughts, has reduced the cover of native grasses and shrubs, opened up the ground layer, and led to soil erosion in many areas. These prolonged pressures have also altered the natural plant communities through the proliferation of native species unpalatable to stock, often referred to as woody weeds, leaving many areas with sparse and degraded ground cover.
Yet despite the widespread land degradation, the Cobar Peneplain remains home to a diverse range of unique and resilient fauna, adapted to survive in one of Australia’s toughest environments.
One of the most intriguing species encountered during our visit was the procession caterpillar (Ochrogaster lunifer). Known for their distinctive “processions”, these caterpillars travel in long, snaking lines as they move between feeding sites on eucalyptus and acacia species. Despite being toxic to many predators, they are an essential part of the ecosystem, breaking down plant material as they feed.
The Australian Bustard
(Ardeotis australis)
We were fortunate enough to spot this incredible creature on-site during our preliminary assessment. The Australian Bustard is a large, ground-dwelling bird found across the Australian outback. Preferring to run rather than fly, the Bustard is an iconic species of open grasslands. Unfortunately, due to habitat loss and predation, the Australian Bustard is now listed as Endangered under the BC Act 2016.
Another fascinating species at home in the Cobar Peneplain is the Lace Monitor (Varanus varius), a large and striking lizard found in various habitats across eastern Australia. During the breeding season, the male performs a complex courtship dance to attract females. This ritual includes head bobbing, rocking, and tail flicking, showcasing both the male’s strength and agility. We were fortunate enough to witness this incredible behaviour first hand.
