Talking Landcare: Wildlife at Risk

Talking Landcare

Wildlife at Risk

Many Landcarers are familiar with threatened local plants such as Illawarra Socketwood and Illawarra Zieria. These species have been identified as being at risk of extinction and are protected under state and national legislation. However, the Illawarra is also home to a remarkable diversity of threatened wildlife. Across the Illawarra region, 47 plant species, 18 ecological communities and 112 animal species are currently listed as threatened.

Join us for an evening exploring some of the Illawarra's most vulnerable and fascinating wildlife, and learn how healthy plant communities provide the habitat they depend on. Three local researchers will share insights into the challenges facing these species, the work being done to protect them, and the practical actions Landcarers can take to help.

The Green and Golden Bell Frog

Once one of the most common frogs along Australia's east coast, the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea) has experienced a dramatic decline and is now considered threatened. Local ecologist Garry Daly has been closely involved in conservation efforts through the NSW Government's Saving our Species program. Garry will discuss the factors behind the frog's decline, current recovery efforts in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and what is being done to secure its future.

The hidden world of tree hollows

Tree hollows are among the most important yet overlooked features of our bushland. Formed over many decades, they provide essential shelter, nesting sites and breeding habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including many threatened species. Beth Mott, Senior Threatened Species Officer with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), will explain why hollows are so important, how to recognise valuable hollow-bearing trees, and what Landcarers can do to help protect these critical habitat features.

Remarkable life in our freshwater streams

The Illawarra's creeks and streams support an extraordinary range of freshwater life, much of which goes unnoticed. Senior Threatened Species Officer at DCCEEW, Alex Pike will introduce some of the unique freshwater spiny crayfish found in our region, including the endangered Southern Hairy Crayfish (Euastacus hirsutus) and Fitzroy Falls Spiny Crayfish (Euastacus dharawalus). Discover the important role these species play in healthy waterways and learn how protecting stream habitats benefits the wider ecosystem.

Free and open to all.

A supper of warming winter soups will be provided after the talks. Please register to help us manage catering.

Please contact our coordinator on 0499 027 770 or coordinator@landcareillawarra.org.au with any questions.