We're working with South Australia to improve habitats and reduce threats for native species most at risk from H5 bird flu.
An extra $1.5 million is funding actions like invasive species control and habitat restoration. This includes managing feral cats, foxes and pigs. It also includes restoring habitats at:
- Ramsar wetlands
- offshore islands
- other key sites for seabirds, shorebirds and marine mammals.
These actions will ease pressure on the state's iconic species like Australian sea lions, fairy terns and pelicans.
Healthy habitats and strong populations give native species the best chance to withstand the impacts of H5 bird flu. Not only this, but these projects will also deliver long-term conservation benefits.
Projects include:
- habitat restoration and feral bird control on the offshore islands of Fleurieu Peninsula
- predator control and habitat restoration on the Limestone Coast
- fox and feral cat control to protect vulnerable bird species' sites along the metropolitan coastline
- invasive pig control at the Coongie Lakes Ramsar site.
This work is part of a national effort to reduce threats and improve habitat for species most at-risk from H5 bird flu.
It is part of the Australian Government's $100 million H5 bird flu preparedness investment. This includes $35.9 million for environmental measures. Funded through this investment, efforts underway in South Australia also include:
- $1.2 million to boost Australian sea lion resilience
- $300,000 for species and site planning
- $130,000 to protect captive populations of threatened species.
