Landcare threatened species bus tour
An immersive day in threatened species of the Monaro
Efficiency - LEP23-014_LLC12_4
The issue
Unfortunately the Monaro region is home to a large number of threatened species and communities. Awareness is the start of conservation and our recent Threatened Species bus tour saw 35 participants from across our region bus their way across the Monaro to discover the diverse plants and animals that are struggling to survive in our region.
The solution
The day begun with a trip out to Top Hut Travelling Stock Reserve which conserves an impressive landscape containing Natural Temperate grasslands and the very special Monaro Grassland Earless Dragon. Experts from discussed the importance of the threatened ecosystem and the management that is being implemented to protect the site and the dragons.
The second stop was along the Murrumbidgee River to hear about out threatened fish species such as the different Galaxia species and Macquarie Perch that inhabit our waterways. We weren't able to see any of the fish but some platypus and rakali specimens were on hand for a closer look.
The tour was wrapped up with introductions to the threatened invertebrates and birds of the area and demonstrations of habitat restoration being undertaken by Bush Heritage.
The impact
Participants were surprised by the number and diversity of threatened species on their doorstep but encouraged by the work that is ongoing for conservation. The tour included options for conservation management on their own properties and planning had begun before the day was over. Awareness was our goal and coming face to face with these precious species provided an experience we hope stays with all those who attended.
A big thanks to South East Landcare and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust for funding the day through the Private Land Conservation Matters project and Cooma Coaches for taking us on the tour.