CREATING HABITAT
Habitat for our native animals is in short supply in most urban areas. Our love for living near water, plus unobstructed views, has meant that the surrounding vegetation of lakes and wetlands is often cleared. This means that the waterbirds and other fauna have lost their protection, their hiding spots and their safe nesting areas.
A simple thing, like this condemned jetty, is an important roost for this Welcome Swallow (above) and these Pied and Great Cormorants (left), not because it is comfortable, but because it is now closed and humans cannot access it. Hence, the birds now have a safe place to roost during the day.
Insects, such as Dragonflies, Damselflies (right and below) and spiders, depend on structure to rest, pupate and build webs. The Damselflies pictured below are perched on rushes grown on our rafts. As soon as the plants became established, the insects and spiders moved in.
Reptiles, such as this south-western snake-necked tortoise (below), need safe places to catch the warmth of the sun. This one has taken advantage of the safety provided by one of our rafts.
..and of course the Waterbirds. The Islands provide important habitat for breeding, safe places for chicks, food resources and roosts.