Latest News• Add My News • Search Old News Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local NewsNest Boxes To Bring Back WildlifeBushfire affected areas may soon see the return of some much beloved native animals thanks to the success of a nest box installation program. Latrobe City Council has coordinated the distribution of 140 nest boxes to 45 land-holders in and around fire affected areas, in the hope that animals such as bats, possums, rosellas, parrots and kookaburras will return to the areas. A variety of boxes were made with assistance from the Fulham Correctional Facility Crews, who did a fantastic job with the construction of the boxes. The program was organised with the help and support of Maffra and Districts Landcare network, a Caring for Our Country Grant and ITC Timber in Heyfield who supplied the timber. Due to the high level of interest shown in the program an information session was held on Tuesday 4 August to enable landholders to learn more about maximising their chances of having their nest box inhabited by wildlife. The forum also enabled landholders to learn more about the diversity of wildlife that inhabits the local area. Two guest speakers provided information for those in attendance. Rolf Willig, West Gippsland Biodiversity Manager at the Department of Sustainability and Environment spoke about the different native animals that inhabit local landholders’ backyards, and the importance of natural hollows to provide habitat for hollow dependent native animals. He also explained how nesting boxes in the absence of hollows can be a viable alternative to provide homes for our local wildlife whilst new natural hollows form. Steve Kurec discussed the variety of designs for nest boxes, how to best install and orientate nest boxes to maximise chances of appropriate use, importance of monitoring and how to deal with pests. The forum was a great opportunity for local members of the fire affected community to learn more about how nest boxes can be a viable habitat alternative whilst fire affected areas recover and to make a positive contribution to the rehabilitation of their area. Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com Related Articles
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