CSGL22050 – Protecting and creating EPBC species habitat in a climate refugia
2022-2025
Habitat loss and fragmentation are major threats to our ecosystems, and impact on our fauna and flora, including the 3 EPBC listed black cockatoos (Carnaby’s, Baudin’s and Forest Red-tailed) and Western Ringtail Possums (WRPs). Climate change is another major problem. Reduction in vegetation leads to a reduction in the buffering effects that vegetation can provide. Farmers are receiving record high prices for meat which is driving higher stocking rates, increasing damage to unfenced remnant vegetation, and driving new vegetation clearing. We know cockatoos are foraging and breeding in this area, but we have no idea how much or where breeding is occurring. We have not had the capacity to locate breeding sites. We have been advised a number of our cockatubes are now considered to be poorly located. Additionally the first 15 cockatubes (300mm) which we installed are not ideal for cockatoos as they are now considered too narrow, and, if used will cause damage to their tails. The birds are known to be fussy and are far less likely to use the narrow tubes. Adding weight tothis new information, late last year the first successful breeding in a cockatube we installed occurred. This happened in a well located 400mm cockatube. Another problem is off-target species use of cockatubes. Lack of knowledge continues to influence environmental outcomes. Engaging the community through workshops, activities and events increases knowledge of environmental threats, and allows them to make better informed decisions about all aspects of property management.
• support local businesses
• Run 16 education events
The workshops and field days are designed to provide educational and networking opportunities, continue to build a sense of community and increase community knowledge or environmental works.
• sites inspected and documented
Cockatube assessment, maintenance and where necessary relocation with advice/training provided by Sam Rycken, Birdlife (habitat loss, loss breeding hollows, lack of knowledge), installation of duck and possum boxes
• 300mm cockatubes repurposed, creating two or more nest boxes
• use information gathered to better inform search for nest trees
• revisiting revegetation sites – what works, what doesn’t