It’s easier to care about something when it’s closer to home. Perhaps that’s why members of the community are being invited to submit the threatened species they want prioritised across the Central West Local Land Services area. 

This month, the region is looking to the Brolga as its threated fauna species of the month.

Listed as vulnerable, the species covers Western NSW from as South as Lake Cargelligo to as North as Coonamble, thriving in wetlands and open grasslands. 

“Spring is breeding season for Brolgas, so it’s a timely reminder for people to keep their stock out of paddocks where wetlands may be present,” said Senior Land Services Officer Tanya Muccillo. 

While eyes are trained on the brolga this month, our state has an abundance of threatened species that need consideration and protection to give them a fighting chance.

“At the moment we’re looking at public protection, asking people to score how important they think each species are to locals,” Ms Muccillo said. 

The public consultation will inform the development of a prioritised list of species that will be incorporated into the five-year Natural Resource Management Plan for the Central West. 

Although some species are endangered within the region, they aren’t necessarily listed as a threatened species at a Commonwealth Government level. As a result, the responsibility lies locally to protect and recover them. 

For Brolgas, helping the species involves restoring native grasslands, and controlling foxes and cats that prey on eggs and chicks.

“There’s less and less habitat for them, and wetlands seem to be drying up a little bit more,” said Ms Muccillo. 

While the season across the state has blossomed this year and last, the drought saw fewer locations for the birds to migrate to.   

For some, redeeming the population is about much more than the tranquil scene that the birdlife offers. In Aboriginal culture, the Brolga is associated with many stories and ceremonial dances, mirroring the bird’s distinctive dance. 

Regardless, much of the wildlife across the west is foundational to the landscape, characterising the region. You can have your say about what is important to you.

The opportunity to advise the NSW Government on what local threatened species should be prioritised ends soon. You can take part by clicking here.