Protecting native species is a high priority for the City of Canning’s conservation team. Many native animals are found within the City, including some of Perth’s more iconic species like the Black Swan.
Black swans (Cygnus atratus)
Black swans are a notable bird in the City of Canning, occupying many areas of the Canning River and wetland environments. Found on freshwater lakes, swamps and waterways, the Noongar name for the black swan is Maali. In the City’s region, black swans typically breed from May to September and produce an average of six offspring each brood, feeding on aquatic vegetation and relying on undisturbed shoreline habitats for breeding. Ongoing maintenance of the foreshore and revegetation of degraded areas are activities the City undertakes to assist with the protection of this species.
Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa)
Bobtails can be found moving slowly or basking in the sun in many of the City 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. Keeping dogs on leads and watching out for bobtails near bushland areas can help maintain populations of bobtails in the urban environment.
Carnaby's cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest red-tailed black cockatoos (Notechis scutatus)
Endemic to southwest Western Australia, the Carnaby's black cockatoo and Forest red-tailed black cockatoo are two large black birds frequenting the City of Canning areas. 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 is committed to helping to conserve the remaining populations of these threatened species, click here to learn more about these activities.
Retaining and planting species such as the Marri, Tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala), Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata), Slender Banksia (Banksia attenuata), Firewood Banksia (Banksia menziesii) and Two-leaved Hakea (Hakea trifurcata) in gardens and natural areas will help these species to survive in the midst of our urban environment. Click here to download a full list of the plant species that provide food and shelter sources for these birds.
To learn more about these and other birds that have cultural significance to the Aboriginal people, please visit this link
Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
Tiger snakes are venomous snakes found in vegetation around the City of Canning’s wetland areas and often seen sunning themselves in open areas such as footpaths. Tiger snakes hunt small mammals, frogs and lizards.
If you see a snake in a City managed 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 the Natural Areas Team to relocate it to a more suitable area. If you see a snake in another location and have questions about snake safety or reptile behaviour, please call the Wildcare helpline on 9474 9055.
Please note, that the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) Wildcare Helpline no longer offers a volunteer callout service for the relocation of reptiles. If you require the removal or relocation of reptiles on private property, please contact a pest control service or volunteer reptile handler/snake catcher via an online search.
References:
- Haight, R 2007, Bobtail Rehabilitation. National Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference Proceedings, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
- Swan River Trust 2013, Black Swan Cygnus atratus Fact Sheet, Government of Western Australia.
- Department of Environment and Conservation 2013, Dealing with Snakes. Available here.