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Biodiversity comes from the term 'biological diversity' and simply means the variety of all life forms in the environment. Conserving biodiversity is important as it ensures that ecosystem services such as water, oxygen and nutrient cycles are maintained.
Pigeons and other pest birds in Bathurst
Bird damage is a significant problem in Australia, with over 100 species that can cause significant losses to fruit, nut, grain, rice and aquaculture industries, create conflicts in urban areas, damage infrastructure, reduce aesthetic values, and pose risks to the environment and to human health. (Invasive Animals CRC, 2010).
In the Bathurst Region, pest birds are known to damage buildings, block gutters with nests and faeces, eat crops and compete with native species.
Bathurst Regional Council understands the need to manage populations of pest bird species in the Local Government Area. There is a growing need to reduce the impact of pest birds on the built, natural and agricultural environment. A survey was recently conducted to gain an understanding of the extent of the issue so that the Council and community can take a coordinated approach towards managing pest birds. A summary of the survey results is available here .
Council has engaged NGH Environmental to develop a Pest Bird Management Plan which will be completed in the coming months.
Backyards for Wildlife Booklet - AVAILABLE NOW!
To better understand how the community feels about providing habitat for wildlife in their back (and front!) yards, Council conducted a community survey during 2010 and 2011. These survey asked residents what they have already done in their backyards, what they would like to do, what they would like to know more about and how Council is going in regards to creating habitat for urban wildlife.
The results from these surveys were used to develop the Bathurst Region Backyards for Wildlife booklet. This booklet has been developed with assistance of leading local naturalists and with feedback from numerous community members.
The booklet is a guide for the local community on the best ways to create habitats for a range of wildlife species, small and large, whilst still allowing space for pets and your family! The booklet is now available for purchase for just $3.00 from the Bathurst Regional Library, Civic Centre and Bathurst Visitor Information Centre.
Alternatively, you can download a digital version here .
Land for Wildlife program
Land for wildlife is a voluntary conservation program for landholders coordinated by the Community Environment Network. Bathurst Regional Council is supporting the promotion of this program. Landowners receive a free sign and environmental property assessments. Land for Wildlife also gives landholders the opportunity to participate in workshops, meet like minded people and receive up to date information via fact sheets and regular newsletters. If you have native birds and animals on your property you probably qualify for Land for Wildlfie membership.
First step is to fill in an Expression of Interest and to send it to CEN. The form may filled in on line at www.cen.org.au/landforwildlife/joinlfw/ and emailed or download the pdf for a General Expression of Interest.
When an Expression of Interest is received, arrangements are made locally to conduct an assessment and register the property.
The program is available to landholders who:
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Have properties with half a hectare or more of native bush land
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Are willing to manage all or part of their property in an environmentally sustainable way
The Land for Wildlife program is available to private landholders who own properties ranging from small bush blocks up to large farming and grazing operations.
Schools and council managed public land may also qualify for Land for Wildlife
Threatened Species of the Bathurst Region
For the past three years, Council has engaged a local consultant (Mjadwesch Environmental Service Support: MESS) to compile all known threatened species records for the Bathurst Region. This has resulted in a large increase in the number of records and species listed. There are now 71 fauna and 14 flora species (listed under state and federal legislation) recorded in the Bathurst Region.
In 2011, MESS conducted a summary of the database which assessed the accuracy and validity of the records and where datagaps may exist. A copy of this summary, which lists all the local threatened species, is now available.
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