Kangaroo Valley conservationists protecting bushfire impacted native wildlife from feral animals secure funding

After fire devastated the region earlier this year, nature-loving volunteers in Upper Kangaroo Valley are safeguarding the future of native wildlife by taking action against feral animals.

Securing funding from Landcare Australia’s $300,000 Bushfire Recovery Grants, Upper Kangaroo Valley Landcare Group are determined to reduce the environmental destruction by feral animals (foxes, wild dogs and cats) that have followed migrating native animals from bushfire-ravaged areas.

Over a six-month period, this project will see the engagement of qualified shooters plus the selective placement and management of appropriate traps by a suitably able contractor.

“The migrating native animals, that have swelled overall numbers, have moved to the area in search of food and shelter,” explained Belinda Maree, project officer with Upper Kangaroo Valley Landcare group.

“With the recently arrived feral animals, there has been an increased detrimental impact on the local fauna and flora and the escalation in numbers of these animals are a continuing source of environmental destruction.

“Furthermore and as a result of a similar migration from the same bushfire-ravaged areas, there are increased numbers of goats and deer in the Upper Kangaroo Valley area. Again these animals, like the feral animals, are upsetting the ecological balance within the area.”

Belinda added: “While there is potential for these feral animals to return to the regenerating areas, with adequate funding for this project, the struggling flora and existing and returning fauna will have a much stronger chance of recovery if these measures are actioned.

“The Upper Kangaroo Valley environment cannot be left to chance if the potentiality does not eventuate.”

The key expected outcome at the completion of this project will see a significant reduction in numbers of the feral animals, thus eliminating the heightened impact that is currently seeing adverse environmental consequences in the Upper Kangaroo Valley area.

Made possible due to the extraordinary volume of donations from generous organisations and private donors, the Landcare Australia Bushfire Recovery Grants will support 23 wide-ranging regeneration projects focusing on activities including impacted rainforest revegetation, nest boxes for decimated native species and feeding programs for endangered wildlife.

Key issues for all the grant recipients include restoring essential wildlife habitat, management of invasive weeds, erosion control and protection of our waterways and aquatic habitat.

The funding came from generous donations during the bushfires from across the country and around the world, including Landcare Australia partners Brambles CHEP, Bushman’s Tanks, Bloom Aid and Hawkes Brewing.

*Belinda Maree is