Protecting native species is a priority for the City of Canning’s Conservation team.
Fauna found in Canning
Many native animals are found in Canning, including some of Perth’s more iconic species.
Black swans (Cygnus atratus) / Maali (Noongar name)
Black swans occupy many areas of the Canning River and surrounding wetlands. Black swans breed from May to September and produce an average of six offspring each brood. They feed on aquatic vegetation and rely on undisturbed shoreline habitats for breeding.
The City undertakes ongoing maintenance of the foreshore and revegetation of degraded areas to assist with the protection of this species.
Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa)
Bobtails move slowly and bask in the sun in many of Canning’s bushland areas. Breeding in early summer, bobtails give birth to an average of two young in autumn, which usually remain with their mother for one-to-two years.
Unfortunately, bobtails often fall prey to dog attacks and road accidents. You can help protect bobtails by keeping dogs on leads and watching out for bobtails near bushland areas.
Carnaby's cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Endemic to southwest Western Australia, the Carnaby's black cockatoo and Forest red-tailed black cockatoo are two large black birds frequenting Canning. These birds rely on mature trees such as the Marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) for feeding and roosting.
Loss of habitat and loss of native food sources caused by urban development on the Swan coastal plain has led to the rapid depletion of these birds.
The City helps to conserve the remaining populations of these threatened species. See the Conservation of Significant Fauna page to learn more.
Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
Tiger snakes are venomous snakes found in vegetation around the Canning’s wetland areas, and often sun themselves in open areas. Tiger snakes hunt small mammals, frogs and lizards.
If you see a snake in a City natural area or park, leave it alone and do not bother it in any way. If it doesn’t move, phone the City who can arrange for it to be moved to a more suitable area.
If you see a snake in another location, please call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
The Wildcare Helpline no longer offers a volunteer callout service for the relocation of reptiles. If you need the removal or relocation of reptiles on private property, please contact a pest control service or volunteer reptile handler/snake catcher.
This information is taken from: