Project Description:

The Threatened Species Unit of DPIW is assisting threatened species recovery in the region, by developing and implementing threatened species recovery plans and protection measures. Stakeholders are being engaged to ensure uniform implementation across all land tenures.

Funding:

Natural Heritage Trust (NHT)

Form of Investment:

NHT - $160,000 cash

Land owners - $108,300 in-kind

State Government - $228,000 in-kind

Local Government - $14,000 in-kind

Achievements:

‘Excellent work has been completed on securing populations of the threatened Scrambling Ground Fern (Hypolepis distans) at Edith Creek including weed control, fencing and developing covenant prescriptions', said Dr Sally Bryant, Manager, Threatened Species Unit.

'Ground truthing of lowland temperate grasslands at Possum Banks, Ingram Bay and other sites in the north west has identified impacts of grazing and fire and provided prescriptions for management. 

The Orange-bellied Parrot recovery program has continued to breed juveniles in captivity for release in the wild at Birches Inlet.  Teams of volunteers have monitored the released birds and the use of nest boxes.  Weekly surveys of the saltmarsh at Sea Elephant Lagoon, King island have been conducted by volunteers with results thus far showing small groups of 4-10 parrots stopping off on their way to the mainland', said Dr Bryant.

Critical nest sites for the Swift Parrot and the Wedge-tailed Eagle have also been protected from encroaching development through management actions and covenants.  New information collected during the 2004/2005 Swift Parrot breeding season is being used to improve protection of nesting habitat.

Work was also carried out to improve populations of Native Wintercress (Barbarea australis) on the Mersey River. Seed orchards have been established, existing populations protected from browsing, and management advice provided to land managers.

Many of these species will continue to be monitored with actions taken to improve their status.