Threatened Birds Thriving Thanks to St Ives Landholders
Activity From Kanmantoo Grassy Woodland Revegetation Project
Our Kanmantoo Grassy Woodland Restoration project has been featured in the latest edition of the Native Vegetation Councils newsletter.
A recent bird survey has found three rare and one threatened bird species are inhabiting a 160-hectare project area that is currently being restored by five adjoining landholders at St Ives, near Kanmantoo.
In total, 64 bird species were found to be present by environmental consultant Phil Barron. The rare species were White-winged Chough, Eastern Shrike Tit and Elegant Parrot. These and the presence of a population of the nationally vulnerable Diamond Firetail confirms that the project is helping to improve habitat for priority species that are at high risk of decline without help.
The Native Vegetation Council (Council) approved a grant of $1.3 million in 2023 towards restoring Grassy Woodlands of Drooping Sheoak, Peppermint Box and Red Gum on the properties through revegetation and control of weeds and pests.
Diamond Firetail – Nationally vulnerable to extinction and recorded on 2 Properties
Second Nature Conservancy has been successfully managing the project and assisting with the on-ground works. Around 19,000 native seedlings were planted last year over degraded areas, including nationally vulnerable species such as Silver Daisy-bush (Olearia pannosa ssp. pannosa) and Menzel’s Wattle (Acacia menzelii). Works will continue over the next six years.
Changes will continue to be monitored to ensure that works are having a significant benefit to the environment. The funds for the project are derived from payments made to the Council for the purpose of offsetting impacts of approved clearances made elsewhere.
Thank you to the Native Vegetation Council for allowing us to share their article.
This nature project involves a variety of partners, landholders,
suppliers and contractors and has been made possible through funding from the Native Vegetation Council and the Hills and Fleurieu revegetation grant round.
