Two projects have been completed the Northern Territory to control pests and weeds, protect important habitats and support native species.
As part of these efforts more than 5,500 feral pigs have been removed and 1800 hectares of invasive weeds treated. This includes weeds such as mimosa, gamba grass and olive hymenachne.
Helicopters have also surveyed more than 1,600 sq kilometres of wetlands. The surveys collected information about waterbirds and their habitat. These data are helping identify areas where pest and weed control is needed most.
An Australian Government investment of $530,000 supported these projects to prepare for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). This is helping reduce threats to native species, including the iconic magpie goose.
With H5 bird flu arriving in Australia, this work is now more important than ever. Healthy habitats, with threats reduced, give our native species the best chances of withstanding and recovering from the potential impacts of H5 bird flu.
Tackling feral pigs in Mary River
The Mary River region is home to some of the NT’s most important wetlands. Aerial surveys and pest control operations are helping identify threats and target action where it is needed most.
Surveys continue to find large numbers of feral pigs on the floodplain. Feral pigs damage wetlands, degrade habitat and harm native wildlife.
Recent aerial control operations have removed more than 5,500 feral pigs. The project also treated more than 1,700 hectares of invasive weeds.
This work is helping protect wetlands and the native species that depend on them.
Protecting the Gurruwiling wetlands
Weed control also improved the Gurruwiling (Arafura Swamp) wetlands. More than 80 hectares of invasive weeds have been treated.
Rangers from the Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation are leading this work. They removed olive hymenachne and mimosa.
These weeds can:
- choke waterways
- crowd out native vegetation
- disrupt natural water flows.
The project has boosted ecosystem health while strengthening the skills and capacity of local Aboriginal rangers.
This funding is part of the Australian Government’s $113 million investment to tackle H5 bird flu. This includes $47.1 million for environment measures.
Other investments underway in the NT include:
- $150,000 to support species and site preparedness planning
- $9,700 to boost biosecurity for threatened species, like the greater bilby, at Alice Springs Desert Park.
