Twelve threatened species discovered in NSW's new National Park
By Ashmeeta Subra 17 July 2024
The state’s newest national park will provide a safe home for 158 native species, including threatened species like pied honeyeaters, pink cockatoos and stripe-faced dunnarts.
Back in 2023, the New South Wales (NSW) government acquired Comeroo Station, a 37,422-hectare former working sheep and cattle station land located 150 kilometres northwest of Bourke. Instead of using the land for development, it will be transformed into a new national park.
The NSW Government announced the results of its first fauna survey at the property on World Environment Day 2024, revealing the area to be an extraordinary refuge for at least 158 native species, including 12 threatened animal species.
"Finding 12 threatened species within Comeroo Station is incredibly exciting and these surveys mark the crucial first step in the journey of transforming this extraordinary property into a national park, ensuring its protection for generations to come," said Penny Sharpe, NSW Minister For Climate Change and Energy in a press release.
The property boasts diverse habitats, including alluvial floodplains, swamps with permanent waterholes, ephemeral wetlands, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, and an extensive section of Cuttaburra Creek. Nearly 10,000 hectares stretch across Yantabulla Swamp, an internationally recognised Important Bird Area that can host up to 50,000 waterbirds at once.
A few exciting discoveries on the property were made during the 10-day survey conducted by expert ecologists. Among the highlights were the first confirmed sightings of the eastern fat-tailed gecko, the south-eastern hooded robin, and the Hall’s babbler.
The surveys conducted in March 2024 found 158 species, including 109 bird species, 22 reptile species, 13 frog species and 14 mammal species. Of the species recorded, 12 species are listed on the NSW and/or Federal threatened species register.
Early results from the flora survey are being used to produce vegetation maps and mark the locations of threatened and endangered plant species and communities, such as the elusive desert cow-vine. These surveys provide essential information to help prioritise conservation efforts and guide the management of the park.
The park is set to become an exciting stop for visitors across a must-see network of western NSW national parks and is expected to be open to the public around end of the year. The transformation of Comeroo Station into a national park is crucial in preventing the extinction of native species and ensuring their existence for future generations.
There are smaller actions we can take in our own backyards (or balconies) to ensure our wonderful plants and native wildlife are supported and can be enjoyed within urban areas and beyond. Visit National Tree Day for planting tips to create native habitats in your own home.
Planet Ark does not take responsibility for the accuracy of the original information and encourages readers to check the references before using this information for their own purposes.
With background in international relations and marketing communications, Ashmeeta is excited to use her skills to encourage positive environmental actions through Planet Ark. She believes that by taking small actions, we can help make a big difference and be good stewards of our planet. Outside of work, she loves spending time in nature and enjoying downtime at the beach.
