Future proofing habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater

More than 300 new Yellow Box and Mugga Ironbark trees have been planted in the Capertee National Park to restore habitat for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater.

“The Capertee National Park, North of Lithgow, is probably the most important patch of natural habitat left for the Regent,” said Huw Evans from Central Tablelands Local Land Services.

“However the park was once farmland and most of the river flats, which would have been prime Regent habitat, were cleared of trees, pasture improved and cropped.”

Local Land Services, the Australian National University (ANU), the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, and the Skillset Green Army with support from the Lithgow City Council, have worked together to replant Yellow Box and Mugga Ironbark trees in this landscape.

According to Ross Crates, from the ANU’s ‘Difficult Bird Research Group’, as the trees mature over the next thirty to forty years, they will substantially extend breeding habitat for the Regent Honeyeater which will be critical for the recovery of the species.

“Our monitoring has revealed that the Capertee National Park is a critical breeding site, potentially attracting more than 20 percent of the remaining wild population,” said Ross.

“The birds are currently severely restricted to a very small area of the park that was not cleared for agriculture in the past, and where the Regent’s preferred food trees persist.”

“We have identified critical breeding areas for revegetation, particularly focused on planting Yellow Box adjacent to rivers and creeks and Mugga Ironbark near existing woodland, to provide foraging habitat for Regent Honeyeaters during the breeding season,” said Ross.

Capertee National Park Ranger, Adam Bryce, also played a key role in the strategic revegetation project, sourcing seedlings and materials for planting.

“With help from the Green Army, we fenced every tree individually so the seedlings won’t get eaten by kangaroos and will have the best chance to grow into large, mature trees,” said Adam.

It is expected the newly planted trees will start providing a food source for the Regent Honeyeater within the next twenty years, supporting the long term survival of the species.

For more information about strategic Regent Honeyeater revegetation in the Capertee Valley National Park contact Senior Land Services Officer Huw Evans from Local Land Services on phone: 02 6350 3117 or email:  huw.evans@lls.nsw.gov.au

Prescribed Burn at Brooke Moore Reserve, Bathurst

Bathurst Regional Council in conjunction with the Rural Fire Services and
Central Tablelands Local Land Services will conduct a prescribed burn at Brooke Moore Reserve, West Bathurst.

The burn is scheduled for a weekend mid to late May (subject to weather
conditions) and will be a low intensity, cool burn for ecological purposes
as well as fire hazard reduction. The works have been programmed in order
to reduce the fuel build up at the reserve and also reduce the risk of an
uncontrolled bushfire from occurring during the hotter months.

Bathurst Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said the burn was a necessity to protect
surrounding residential areas and to encourage regrowth of a diverse range
of native grasses, herbs and wildflowers within the endangered Box Gum
Grassy Woodland.

“Many species rely on fire to germinate, flower or set seed, and may
disappear if the frequency is too low or high.  Brooke Moore Reserve hasn’t
had a burn for a long time,” he said.

There is potential for smoke to impact surrounding residents and roads. An
electronic message sign will be placed along Vittoria Street or Suttor
Street and a letterbox drop will be conducted to notify surrounding
residents with details of the proposed burn date and protective measures to
take to avoid potential smoke haze.

Fish River Rejuvenated

A section of the Fish River was recently rejuvenated to create a healthier
habitat for native flora and fauna to flourish, including the endangered
Booroolong Frog.

The initiative was a joint project between Bathurst Regional Council and
Oberon Council which received funding of nearly $8000 for the restoration
of a section of the Fish River at O’Connell.

The grant was provided by the Central Tablelands Local Land Services and
the Central West Councils Environment and Waterway Alliance.

Bathurst Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said the works have greatly improved the local
natural environment.

“It’s important for us to be involved in projects that nurture and enhance
our local environment,” he said.

“Initiatives such as this can build positive change at grassroots level to
regenerate the natural environment for future generations to enjoy and
appreciate”.

The project has involved the Skillset Green Army that planted native trees
and shrubs along the riverbank. The new vegetation will reinforce the banks
of the river, giving greater stability during floods and reducing weeds.