Whittlesea residents are being called on to help the council find native, rare and significant plants and animals as part of a community biodiversity study.
The study aims to create a better understanding of the municipality’s land, with sightings of native plants and animals by residents recorded to develop a comprehensive database of the native species that call Whittlesea home.
The study will be done in conjunction with work being undertaken by council staff and expert ecologists.
Council chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the study will help council better understand what species make up the local landscape how it can best care for them.
The last survey of this kind was conducted over 24 years ago.
“The City of Whittlesea has a unique landscape with many significant flora and fauna species in the area,” Ms Wilson said.
“One of the key things we are looking for in this study are sightings of any rare or threatened species that have not been spotted in our municipality in recent times. These include animals such as the platypus, bird species such as the Freckled Duck or Barking Owl and reptiles like the Tree Goanna.
“However, plant species are just as important, so we are also looking for species such as the Creeping Grevillea or any species of orchid.”
Ms Wilson said that there is still a lot to learn about local species and the community can play an important part in helping us fill in the knowledge gaps.
To view a gallery of some of the rare or threatened species council is looking for, or to submit your sightings of any native species you would like identified, visit: engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
Photographs, videos, audio recordings or descriptions can be submitted until November 12.
