Wildlife
Around 200 different animal species, including more than 150 different types of birds have been observed in the bushland and gardens of the Lane Cove LGA. You may be surprised to know that Swamp Wallabies, Sugar Gliders, Echidnas, Green Tree Frogs, turtles and microbats are still sighted occasionally in Lane Cove's bushland. Endangered species such as the Powerful Owl and Eastern Bent-wing Bat also reside in our area.
Wildlife surveys
Ecological consultants have recently completed a survey of the frog and fish species found in all the creeks of Lane Cove. The results can be seen in the Frog and Freshwater Fish Survey Report 2023.
A comprehensive wildlife survey was undertaken by ecological consultants between September 2019 and April 2020, covering all of Lane Cove's major bushland reserves. The detailed Lane Cove Bushland Fauna Surveys 2020 Report provides a profile on each species sighted, including abundance, behaviour and habitat and includes an overview of the bushland sites studied.
Council maintains an ongoing database of fauna sightings, which helps in the conservation and management of our bushland reserves. Residents are encouraged to report interesting/unusual wildlife sightings to Council at bushinterp@lanecove.nsw.gov.au
How you can help
You can help our native animals survive in the city in a number of ways:
- Join Council's free Backyard Habitat program and discover ways to create a wildlife-friendly garden.
- Keep your cats contained to your property and indoors at night. Cats are natural predators and will hunt for sport, even if well-fed.
- Keep your dogs on a leash whilst walking in bushland. Off-leash dogs frighten wildlife and may injure small animals.
- Join Bushcare to help restore wildlife habitat along creeks and foreshores of Lane Cove.
View our Gardening Information page to learn more about living alongside wildlife such as Brush Turkeys and Possums.
Help preserve Powerful Owls
Lane Cove bushland is home to several Powerful Owls, which are listed as vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. You can help preserve these wonderful birds by joining Birdlife Australia's Powerful Owl Project as a Citizen Scientist. They are currently looking for interested members of the public to help monitor Powerful Owls nesting in the area.
Injured wildlife
If you discover an injured, sick or orphaned native animal, please contact a wildlife rescue organisation (open 24 hours) listed below:
Sydney Wildlife Rescue is active in the greater Sydney Metropolitan area.
Phone: 02 9413 4300
WIRES is Australia's largest wildlife rescue organisation.
Phone: 1300 094 737
If you can, wrap the animal in a towel/blanket and place it in a ventilated box with a lid, or cover with a towel. Handle the animal as little as possible. Certain animals should not be approached, such as snakes, goannas, wallabies, bats and raptors (eagles etc). Follow the advice provided by your local wildlife rescue organisation.
