Fauna research project kicks off

A program that uses Fauna Research to guide management of the City of Armadale’s Bushland Reserves was endorsed by Council at its meeting last week.

Mayor Henry Zelones OAM, JP said that in a City that’s rapidly becoming urban it is important to ensure that native fauna are managed to reduce the risk of local population extinctions.

“With the City’s rapid growth and new suburbs springing up all around us, our bushland reserves are becoming surrounded by suburbia which can isolate fauna in some reserves.

“It is critical to recognise the threat and identify opportunities to reduce it, such as creating ecological corridors in our bushland reserves to sustain our fauna populations well into the future.

“The genetic biodiversity of some mammal species, such as the southern brown bandicoot, relies on them being able to move from one habitat to another without being isolated.

“We have identified three of the most biodiverse reserves within the City to be Forrestdale Lake Nature Reserve, Bungendore Park and Armadale Settlers Common.

“This project is the first strategic and targeted management of fauna to be undertaken within the City’s bushland reserves,” said Mayor Zelones.

The first stage of the three year program will involve research and monitoring to establish the presence and abundance of species, including feral animals, in the selected reserves.

The proposal aims to provide data on native and feral animals, develop ecological links, enhance educational research and recreational opportunities, reduce illegal off road vehicle activity and look at ways to engage the community in science projects.

The City will work collaboratively in a partnership with the Department of Parks and Wildlife for the duration of the three year plan.