Conservation of Black-necked Stork & Comb-crested Jacana in Bungawalbin Catchment (Northern NSW)

Restored wetland providing Black-necked Stork & Comb-crested Jacana habitat

WCA's Garry Owers has completed this project (funded by NSW State Wetland Action grants through DIPNR). Jacana are listed as vulnerable and black-necked storks (BNS) are listed as endangered under NSW threatened species legislation.

The Bungawalbin Catchment is believed to contain up to 30% of the NSW population of BNS. The project will determine and map the location of BNS and Jacana sites, supply information, and assist landowners who wish to participate in implementing management plans to improve habitat.

Interested landowners have begun discussing management options and identifying future on-ground actions. These are likely to target habitat enhancement and protection and may include stock-control fencing, control of exotic pest species, or re-flooding of previously drained wetlands.

Project Update February 2006

The Black-necked Stork and Jacana Project was a six-month project funded through DIPNR by the State Wetland Advisory Council. The project mapped sightings of BNS and Jacana and identified and contacted property owners. Landowners were sent information on protecting the two species and invited to participate in the project. Six properties were surveyed with wetland management plans prepared enabling future funding to target identified on ground works aimed at improving and preserving BNS & Jacana habitat.