We celebrate all forms of life big and small in our community. Find out how you can help to protect native wildlife and preserve our local environment.
Bees
Bees play an important role in pollinating flowering plants. It is estimated that one third of the human food supply depends on insect pollination, most of which is accomplished by bees, especially the domesticated European honey bee.
Use an apiarist if you need to remove bee hives and swarms. The Beekeepers Club Inc. (Melbourne) has a list of local bee removalists (some may charge a call out fee). You can also contact the 'Bee Help Line' on 1902 241 059 for further advice (call costs 2.20 per minute / higher for mobiles).
Removal by a licensed pest control operator should only be considered if the swarm / hive is inaccessible to an apiarist and safety is of concern.
If a swarm or hive is found on Council land or in a neighbouring property, contact us.
Birds
Birds are an important part of our local ecosystem. They pollinate our plants and spread seeds across the landscape. Some birds help to keep our insect, rodent and spider populations low, and others fish in our creeks and the Yarra River.
Please don't feed birds, it can result in overabundant populations or dependance on humans.
We can provide habitat for our beautiful birds by planting native flowering plants in our backyards, as well as providing them with a bird bath, so that they can clean their plumage. Nest boxes also help birds to find a place to raise their young, where hollows in trees may be scarce.
We can also protect our birds by ensuring that we keep our domestic pets inside, as often they will hunt and hurt our native wildlife when left outside.
Frogs
Manningham is home to a variety of frog species, living in our rivers and creeks, ponds and even in our backyards. With good land management practices and reduction of pollution in our waterways, we can ensure our frog species continue to enjoy Manningham as a vital part of the local ecosystem.
Grey-headed flying fox
Flying foxes help to pollinate many indigenous plants and disperse seeds, assisting in bushland regeneration. This species can travel up to 50km each night in search of fruit, flowers and pollen to feed on. The grey-headed flying fox is considered vulnerable in Victoria and is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
Netting used to protect household fruit trees, vegetable gardens, or other fruiting plants must have a mesh size of 5 mm x 5 mm or less at full stretch to prevent wildlife entanglement. It is illegal to use or sell non-compliant household fruit netting under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.
For more information on netting please visit Agriculture Victoria.
Possums
Possums can survive in suburban areas because our streetscapes and gardens are similar to the possum's preferred natural environment.
The best way to keep a possum out of your roof is to secure your roof and provide an alternative home such as a nesting box.
It is illegal to handle or interfere with possums except when they are in your roof or other buildings. Brush tail possums can be trapped in appropriate traps by the householder or a licensed wildlife controller, however it is illegal to trap the Common Ringtail Possum without a permit.
Trapped possums must be released that day on the same property, in their own territory, within 50 metres of the capture site. Breaching any of these regulations carries a penalty of up to $5000.
For more information on possum control, please visit the Department of Energy and Primary Industries.
Owls
These carnivores are fantastic for keeping the balance in natural systems and reducing rodent populations. However, these birds are at risk of toxicity and death by commonly available rodent baits.
To find out more about predator friendly choices for managing rats and mice on your property, go to Birdlife Australia.
