Since its inception in 1970, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife has been funding scientifically based projects for the benefit of Australian native species. To date the Foundation has saved four species from extinction and funded projects to research and conserve over 30 other Australian plant and animal species.
In 2011, current threatened species projects funded by the Foundation included:
In 2011, the Foundation provided $4,000 to replant necessary trees in Cassowary habitat at Mission Beach, Queenland that was devestated by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi. The replantings will help re-establish a critical 'Cassowary Corridor' to ensure the survival of this magnificent species. From February 2011, weeds were slashed and sprayed so that the first of 800 trees could be planted in the area. Plantings will continue during the wet season until April 2012.
From May 2011 to April 2012, the Foundation is funding a much needed project to rehabilitate important Eastern Bristlebird habitat in northern New South Wales. This project, undertaken by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA), will restore 15 ha of Eastern Bristlebird habitat on private land at Findon, Grady’s and Brindle Creeks. Contractors for the NRCMA will remove weeds such as Lantana and Crofton Weed, and manage the woody understory, to restore prime Bristlebird habitat.
Listed as vulnerable under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, and ‘Rare or likely to become extinct’ under the Western Australian Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, the Black-flanked Rock-wallaby is in desperate need of help. In 2011, the Foundation is providing funds to assist in the translocation of Black-flanked Rock-wallabies in Western Australia to help establish a second population of this currently isolated species.
In 2011, the Foundation is funding important research into the key threats to the Eastern Quoll. This species, extinct on the Australian mainland, appears to be declining in its last refuge - Tasmania. PhD student, Bronwyn Fancourt, is investigating the reasons behind this decline and her findings will have important implications for future Recovery Plans for Eastern Quolls.
The Foundation has provided $28,990 for a survey of Black-eared Miners across the Riverland Biosphere area. The results will be used to refine the ongoing monitoring strategy and to help ensure the species can be better managed to ensure future survival. This project begain in July 2010 and will finish in June 2011.
Click the links to read more about each project.
