The Northern Territory is a hotspot for biodiversity. It is home to incredible wetlands, globally significant species and is a key stop for migratory species on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway.
But invasive pests, like feral pigs and gamba grass, are damaging these habitats. They're putting pressure on native species like the iconic magpie goose.
We are investing more than $500,000 to help prepare the Territory's native species for H5 avian influenza (bird flu). By improving key habitats and reducing other pressures we can strengthen species resilience.
Australia is currently free from the serious and contagious H5 bird flu. It is causing mass deaths in birds and some mammals overseas.
Healthy habitats and strong populations will give native species the best chance of withstanding H5 bird flu impacts. We can't stop the virus from reaching Australia, but we can prepare by tackling other threats.
In Mary River National Park, this investment is supporting aerial surveys to track at-risk species and guide on-ground actions. It is also boosting the efforts of Parks and Wildlife rangers removing invasive species such as:
- feral pigs
- buffalo
- gamba grass.
Further east, Gurruwiling (Arafura Swamp) Rangers are leading large scale weed-control efforts in the Gurruwiling wetlands. They are targeting weeds of national significance such as olive hymenachne and mimosa. These weeds choke wetlands, crowd out native plants, and disrupt water quality, oxygen levels and natural flows.
This funding is part of the Australian Government's broader $100 million investment to prepare for H5 bird flu. This includes $35.9 million for environment measures, with the following investments already underway in the NT:
- $150,000 to support species and site preparedness planning.
- $9,700 will boost biosecurity for threatened species like the greater bilby at Alice Springs Desert Park.
