Thurgoona Threatened Species Conservation Strategy

In 2005, the Thurgoona Threatened Species Conservation Strategy got off to a flying start with the Planning Institute of Australia commending it as an outstanding environmental initiative. It bestowed its national and state awards for Planning Excellence in Environment Planning and Conservation on this excellent document.

This extensive study of the biodiversity of the Thurgoona area identifies environmental issues that need to be addressed, which include protecting wild life now on the threatened or endangered list.

The Thurgoona Threatened Species Conservation Strategy found a major biodiversity feature of the Thurgoona area was the variety of fauna, in particular birds. Of the 118 types of native birds recorded in the Thurgoona area between 2000 and 2003, six are listed as being threatened species.

These are the Brown Tree Creeper, Bush Stone Curlew, Diamond Firetail, Speckled Warbler, Hooded Robin and the magnificent Regent Honeyeater, of which only about 1000 remain throughout Australia.

A further five species of threatened birds are known to utilize similar adjoining habitats in the Albury area. The tiny but beautiful Squirrel Glider, once a common sight around Thurgoona, is now high on the list of threatened species. These small creatures glide from tree to tree hunting for food, feeding on nectar, pollen, sap and insects, and depend on old hollow bearing trees to nest and roost in.

One of the reasons for the decline in native birds and animals in Thurgoona is a deterioration in their natural habitat, food sources and breeding grounds. Another reason is an increase in feral and domestic animals, especially cats, which can be a lethal weapon for native birds and smaller animals.

The strategy suggests strategies and actions for the future management of Thurgoona and surrounds. Brian McLennan, project manager for the Albury Wodonga Corporation, Glenda Datson, an environmental and horticultural consultant and Ian Davidson, an experienced wildlife biologist, managed the fieldwork and later wrote the strategy.

The all-inclusive strategy is a blueprint for the future management of Thurgoona’s environment as coauthor Brian McLennan explains. "The strategy has identified a variety of environmental issues, including preservation of wildlife that could become extinct in Thurgoona during the years to come, unless we start to take action now," Mr. McLennan said.

"Land clearing and urbanisation in Thurgoona has impacted on the natural habitat of some threatened species of wildlife including the Squirrel Glider, Regent Honeyeater and a number of other birds.

It has also impacted on some types of natural vegetation. "This strategy suggests initiatives to retain and enhance the remaining wildlife habitat. Some proposals are on a large scale, more suited to land care groups, but there are numerous ideas that Thurgoona residents, businesses and landholders can adopt.

"Among these would be planting bird attracting native shrubs and trees in the home garden, retaining natural habitats and being a responsible pet owner."