Threatened species projects in the Capital Region

To celebrate the recent Threatened Species Day, we shared some of the work we’ve been doing in the capital region. If you missed it, here’s a summary what we’ve been up to. 

Whole of Paddock Rehabilitation for threatened woodland birds

The ‘WOPR’ program integrates production and conservation and provides mutual benefits for both livestock and wildlife. 55 ADFA cadets came out to help us plant over 1000 native trees and shrubs at this property near Bredbo, which will link and enhance habitat for woodland birds. Several threatened species have been observed at the site, including Hooded Robins (pictured) and Brown Treecreepers.

Pink Tailed Worm Lizard (Aprasia parapulchella)

We have been assisting the ACT Government to enhance Pink Tailed Worm Lizard habitat in the Molonglo River Reserve. We have removed infestations of blackberries, phalaris and other exotic grasses from an important area of natural temperate grassland, and replanted over 15,000 native grasses and forbs. This will prevent further spread of weeds into the native grassland and protect the Pink Tailed Worm Lizard habitat. 

Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) 

In partnership with Royalla Landcare, we have planted over 4000 Drooping She Oaks (Allocasuarina verticillata) and Black She Oaks (A. littoralis). These trees are the preferred food source for Glossy Black Cockatoos. These plantings were focussed on sites that were close to existing populations of She Oaks, to provide stepping stones between suitable areas. Planting efforts were focussed on areas around Tarago, Bungendore, Braidwood, Royalla and Burra districts. We planted at over 35 sites and had over 250 volunteers involved in the plantings. 

Button Wrinklewort (Rutidosis leptorrhynchoides)

We have been growing and supplying Button Wrinklewort plants for ACT Parks and Conservation over the past 3 years. Wild populations of these native daisies are small and have low genetic diversity, so in order to obtain enough seed to supply restoration projects, we have to grow them in our seed production area at Aranda. 

Getting the community involved

None of the work we do to conserve threatened species would be possible without the help of countless volunteers and community groups. Over the last 12 months we’ve been working with people with younger onset dementia, who help grow plants in our nursery for conservation projects.

We’ve also been running birdwatching workshops with Birdlife Australia and Holcim, teaching people how to identify threatened bird species in their area.