Threatened native species have been documented using artificial tree hollows installed throughout the region, as part of a Council project to improve habitat after the 2021 storms.
Following the catastrophic storm that hit the region in mid-2021, where more than 20,000 trees were lost across the Yarra Ranges, Council began a project to install tree hollows in heavily-impacted reserves.
In 2024, the project expanded to target threatened species throughout the municipality, many of whom rely on tree hollows for habitat.
Yarra Ranges Mayor, Richard Higgins, said that a season-long monitoring program recorded many different species using the new hollows.
"Our staff have identified more than a dozen different species using these hollows as habitat, including owlet-nightjars, and the nationally-endangered greater glider," Cr Higgins said.
"After the 2021 storms, environmental groups were rightly concerned about the future of several species locally that use tree hollows. Large hollows suitable for some animals can take more than 100 years to occur naturally, so losing a very large amount of trees suddenly put them at significant risk.
"Five years after the storms, it's heartening to see this project succeed and native species utilise the hollows as the area regrows. We all have a responsibility to care for the environment, and creating hollows means that endangered species have the best chance possible to survive."
The artificial tree hollows are just one facet of Council's work to support native species to thrive. Council also runs planting programs and other projects to create habitat and support biodiversity locally.
Last year, Council installed more than 100,000 locally-indigenous plants on Council land, with the Ribbons of Green program, where landowners are provided free native plants from Council, to restore habitat, helping to install 70,000 more on private property.
