Wildlife

The western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) is a nocturnal marsupial found only in the south-west of Western Australia. The City of Mandurah has populations of western ringtail possums from Dawesville through to Herron.

Western ringtail possums differ from the more common brushtail possum by being smaller in size with a long, thin tail with a white tip. Their tail helps them move through the trees and carry nesting material. Western ringtail possums spend most of their time in trees and are active mostly at night.

Western ringtail possums are listed as Critically Endangered under state and federal legislation. Unfortunately, the number of western ringtail possums is declining, and their habitat has decreased over time due to urban development and the removal of large, old trees on private property. Other threats include fire, predators such as cats and foxes, domestic pets and road trauma.

If you think western ringtail possums are present in your area, there are several ways you can contribute to their conservation.

• Drive carefully to avoid vehicle strikes, particularly at night
• Retain and plant peppermint trees which are an important food item
• Avoid chemicals and baits that can be harmful to possums
• Keep domestic pets contained, particularly at night
• Do not feed possums

Some of the strategies used in Mandurah to look after our western ringtail possums are:

• Possum Rope Bridge. The City in collaboration with the Peel Harvey Catchment Council, Bouvard Coastcare Group and Friends of Warrangup Springs through the National Landcare Program installed a possum rope bridge in Dawesville. This reduces the risk of injury from roads or predators.
• Fauna monitoring to ensure effective environmental management
• Participate in the annual Ringtail Possum Tally. For more information please visit GeoCatch and Wirambi Landcare

Get involved

If you would like to get involved with helping out our local possums you can:

• Submit opportunistic sightings at any time through iNaturalist: Western Ringtail Tally - Peel-Harvey Region

The City of Mandurah is a highly valuable area in the region for threatened black cockatoo species, with roost sites and food resources that support large flocks of Carnaby’s cockatoos as well as Forest red-tailed black cockatoos. Mandurah is also within the distribution for one of the rarest of Australia’s black cockatoos; Baudin’s Cockatoo.

Black cockatoos rely on mature forests and woodlands with a mix of native species for both foraging and breeding. For breeding, black cockatoos require large hollows in trees such as Marri or Tuart, which can take 100 or more years to form. In Mandurah, you will see black cockatoos most commonly foraging on species such as Banksias, Marri, Jarrah and Sheoak. To thrive, black cockatoos require large, healthy habitats that offer abundant food sources and suitable nesting sites, which are increasingly threatened by habitat loss and land clearing.

We are working on protection and recovery strategies for these threatened species. Some of these strategies include:

• Protect and enhance food resources near breeding sites
• Revegetation and community planting days for foraging species and ecological connection
• Data collection and monitoring
• Manage nest hollow competitors
• Installing bird watering stations to improve their access to fresh water.

Bird Watering Stations

The City has installed two bird watering stations, one at Westbury Way Reserve in Dawesville and one at Black Swan Lake Reserve in Lakelands.

• The bird watering station at Westbury Way Reserve was in partnership with Birdlife and Alcoa through the Community Black-Cockatoo Recovery project.
• The bird watering station at Black Swan Lake Reserve was in partnership with Murdoch University, Lotterywest, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council and Winjan Aboriginal Corporation through the Keep Carnaby’s Flying Project.

The bird watering stations consist of a 4m tall pole with four troughs and perches, which allow the black cockatoos to rest and access fresh water. Timed water pumps refill the bowls to provide water even in the dry summer months.

Water plays a significant role in creating a suitable habitat for wildlife, as cockatoos need to drink 2-3 times a day. A permanent fresh water supply is essential for supporting native bird species, helping to reconnect fragmented urban habitats, and promoting biodiversity. Bird watering stations have been specifically designed to offer a safe and reliable water source for Western Australia's black cockatoos.

The height of the bowls also:

• reduces the risks of car strikes as birds are flying in and out
• protects the birds from predators on the ground such as cats, dogs and foxes.

Get involved

• Plant cockatoo foraging species in your garden
• Participate in the Great Cocky Count, an annual citizen science project
• Report sightings of black cockatoos to DBCA by completing a Fauna report form – simple

Quenda, a type of bandicoot, are often seen in backyards and gardens. In 2017, the Backyard Bandicoots Partnership was set up to find out more about these animals and their relationship with native trees.

The partnership combined research from Murdoch University academics and resident-collected data to:

• Improve quenda habitat to conserve quenda numbers.
• Restore Tuart health.
• Maintain a strong natural ecosystem around Mandurah.

The Backyard Bandicoots Project Description explains more about the project.

The Backyard Bandicoots Partnership has finished but we'd still love to hear from you if you spot a quenda.

If you see a quenda, log your sightings on iNaturalist or give Environmental Services a call on (08) 9550 3941.

This partnership was initially set up in 2016 to learn more about the bottlenose dolphins that use the Peel-Harvey Estuary and surrounding coastal waters. This information has helped to guide the way we manage and protect this iconic local species.

The project is a partnership between Murdoch University, City of Mandurah, and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Other important stakeholders, and funding partners, include the Peel Development Commission, Peel-Harvey Catchment Council, Visit Mandurah and the Mandurah Dolphin Rescue Group (Mandurah Estuary Guardians).

There are approximately 90 resident dolphins that live in the Peel-Harvey Estuary and 500 individual dolphins visiting our waterways.

Our local dolphins are at risk of fishing line entanglement and shallow water stranding. You can help protect this species by:

• Keeping waste out of waterways. If you see any rubbish or fishing line, please pick it up and put it in the bin.
• If your fishing line gets tangled, don't cut it and leave it in the water. This is dangerous for our local wildlife, especially dolphins and birds, which can get tangled in the line.
• Logging dolphin sightings on the Marine Fauna Sightings app.
• Reporting any injured dolphins to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), by calling the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055. Visit DBCA to find out more about dolphin strandings.

Looking out for our dolphins helps to connect our community to the environment.

Every year, around 150,000 migratory and resident shorebirds visit the Peel-Yalgorup wetlands and shorelines, which span an area of 26,530 hectares. This includes locations such as the Peel Inlet, Peel-Harvey Estuary, Lake McLarty, Lake Mealup, and Yalgorup National Park. On average, the area supports around 44,268 birds and is home to 54 species of shorebirds.

These wetlands and shorelines are crucial for 39 bird species that migrate from Siberia to Australia along the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. From September to April, the birds stop here to feed and rest before continuing their journey northward to breed.

At Coodanup Foreshore Reserve, a bird hide has been installed. This small, enclosed shelter features a viewing area that allows birdwatchers to observe without disturbing the birds. This protects the birds while still allowing the community to visit and appreciate their beauty. The sanctuary is called Djiba Gaabi Djerab Mia. In the Noongar language, this means ‘place of the birds.

You can get involved by:

• Observing the birds in their sanctuary and you wish to use the bird hide, please fill out the Casual Application Form to book.
• Taking part in the Birdlife Aussie Bird Count.
• Logging your bird sightings on the Birdata app.
• Become a part of community groups, such as the Mandurah Bird Observers Group (MBOG), to spot birds and report issues like dogs off leads.

This threatened bird species migrates from northern WA to Mandurah in late spring to fish in the estuary. Fairy terns may have two breeding seasons, as the WA population is migratory, breeding between spring and summer between June to March.

To nest, the terns need suitable breeding sites, which can be difficult to find in an urban area. Fairy terns nest in shallow scrapes in the sand, making their eggs and chicks vulnerable and resulting in low breeding success.

By creating safe spaces for the terns in suitable breeding areas around Mandurah, we can support the growth of the local population. A thriving local population can also positively impact the strength of the global population.

There are many ways you can get involved, including:

• Avoid crossing the beach or vacant blocks where you can see Fairy Terns, particularly during nesting season.
• If you are in the area keep an eye out for chicks running down to the water's edge. They look like small spotted cotton balls and blend in with the sand!
• Keep an eye on your pets - avoid bringing dogs to the beach during breeding seasons and keep cats inside at home.
• Report and sightings of rabbits, cats, or foxes to Rangers on 9550 3777
• Dispose of plastics and fishing waste correctly

We want to make sure that any development impacts wildlife as little as possible. This means developers must submit a wildlife protection strategy as part of their development plan before the development can go ahead. 

These plans outline:

• The extent of the works.
• How the work may affect wildlife.
• Plans to minimise or remediate this impact.

Magpies are a protective native species protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act (1950).  Their presence is quite common in residential areas, particularly those near parks and vegetated zones.

Understanding Magpie Behaviour

Nesting season typically occurs between August and November, during which magpies may display increased aggression to protect their young. This behaviour is temporary and usually lasts only a few weeks until the chicks have fledged and left the nest.

How to Stay Safe During Nesting Season

To minimize your risk of being swooped:

• Show you're not a threat by avoiding hassling the birds, making eye contact, and speaking in a calm voice.
• Avoid the area if possible
• Dismount your bike and walk quickly but avoid running.
• Protect your face with a hat, helmet, sunglasses and if needed carry an umbrella.
• Travel in groups, when possible, as magpies are more likely to target individuals.
• Report incidents involving territorial magpies to the City and plan alternative routes around known swooping areas.
• Be kind to magpies year-round, as they have excellent memories and can recognize friendly behaviour.

Important Considerations

In rare and extreme cases, when a magpie's aggressive behaviour poses a significant risk to public safety, removal from the site may be considered. However, this action requires a permit from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions – Parks and Wildlife Service. It is important to understand that removing a magpie during nesting season can have serious consequences, including the starvation of dependent chicks and the likelihood of other magpies swiftly occupying the vacated territory. As such, removal is regarded as a last resort and only undertaken after careful assessment and all other mitigation strategies have been exhausted.

A Community Approach to Coexisting with Magpies

Magpies are an essential part of our natural environment and contribute to the balance of local ecosystems. By showing respect and taking simple precautions, we can safely share our spaces with these intelligent birds during their brief nesting period.

What do I do if I see a dead kangaroo?      

Report it to the City’s Customer Services department on (08) 9550 3777 and arrangements will be made for its removal.

What if I find an injured kangaroo?

Rangers can assess whether the kangaroo is able to be assisted medically or not. It may have a joey in which case we will need to give it to a wildlife carer.

What do I do if I find a snake in my house or garden?

Rangers can provide you with contact details of a wildlife re-locator who will happily assist.

It is an offence to kill a snake. Please do not try to capture or kill the snake yourself– this is when many snake bite occur.

Who will capture and relocate the snake?

• Allison Dixon - 0401 314 701    
• Dave Inwood (volunteer) - 0437 989 732
• DPAW Wildcare Helpline - 9474 9055
• Paul Kenyon, Snakebusters Rockingham (fees apply) - 0439 941 004
• Paul Sewell, Wannanup, Falcon, Dawesvile areas only (fees apply) - 0400 389 423
• Alec Milroy, Mandurah (volunteer) - 0409 174 004
• Kyrah-Dean Amos-Harris (donation requested) - 0452 562 407

What if I have problems with bees?

Do not disturb or agitate the hive or swarm. Leave them alone and call a professional Bee Keeper for hive removal. Swarms are usually there in passing and will move on.

What do I do if I find an injured dolphin?

There are specialised wildlife carers that can assist with dolphins that are in distress or injured. Please do not approach the dolphin as this may distress it further causing additional injuries.

Who do I contact for assistance?

• Mandurah Dolphin Rescue - 0418 947 626 or 0407 090 284
• DPAW Wildcare Helpline - (08) 9474 9055

What do I do if I find an injured bird?

Avoid handling the injured bird and call a specialised rescuers.

Who do I contact for assistance?

• WA Seabird Rescue -  6102 8464
• Mandurah Wildlife Rescue - 9582 3938
• DPAW Wildcare Helpline -  9474 9055

What do I do if I find a snake in my house or garden?

Rangers (9550 3777)  can provide you with contact details of a wildlife re-locator who will happily assist.

Please do not try to capture or kill the snake yourself -  this is when many snake bites occur.  It is also an offence to kill a snake.

Who will capture and relocate the snake? 

• Dave Inwood (volunteer) - 0437 989 732
• Paul Kenyon, Snakebusters Rockingham (fees apply) - 0439 941 004
• Allison Dixon 0401 314 701
• Kyrah-Dean Amos-Harris (donation requested) - 0452 562 407
• Alec Milroy (volunteer - no fee) - 0409 174 004

What if I have problems with bees?

Do not disturb or agitate the hive or swarm. Leave them alone and call a professional Bee Keeper for hive removal. Swarms are usually there in passing and will move on.

Who do I contact for assistance?

• The WA Apiarist Society has a good resource for bee removalists. Check out their website for more info.