Wildlife found in central Sydney
A City of Sydney ecology study has discovered snakes and falcons in central Sydney.
Results of the survey conducted late last year by the City of Sydney and ecologists found a variety of species including red-bellied black snakes, peregrine falcons and a rare species of skink.
“This is the first time we have ever carried out an ecology survey across the city so the results are extremely important,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said.
Peregrine falcons were spotted by residents and Sydney wildlife rescue in Ultimo and the CBD. Snakes were spotted in the Botanic Gardens and around railway lines in Glebe and Redfern.
City of Sydney ecology manager Katherine Oxenham said the snakes were an unusual find and they might have accidentally hitchhiked on trains and trucks.
Ms Oxenham said the snakes would be unlikely to encounter many people and won’t need to be moved.
“Snakes would only be relocated if they were reported to be presenting an immediate risk,” she said.
The survey revealed the Sydney area contains five different frog species, eight reptile, seven native mammal and about 40 different kinds of birds.
The report included tawny frogmouths and threatened species like grey-headed flying-foxes, and green and golden bell frogs.
Ms Oxenham said the report also revealed an absence of small birds and blue-tongue lizards.
Ms Moore said City of Sydney is interested in preserving the nature of the city’s biodiversity.
“With the results of this survey the City is preparing an Urban Ecology Strategic Action Plan, which will help us to prioritise action conserving locally-indigenous plant and animal species and improving habitats,” said Ms Moore said.
Ms Oxenham said: “Even a large city can provide habitat for a range of species and with work we can improve its habitat value.”
This could include using designed logs and cracks in walls for habitats to house blue-tongue lizards and declining small-bird populations.
The council said they were interested in locating the breeding site for the falcons and wanted to help from the community to locate and protect their home.
