Para Wirra Recreation Park - Fauna

Fauna

Para Wirra is crucial in conserving the native wildlife as much of it has been adversely affected by past agricultural and mining practices.

1. Mammals

Para Wirra Recreational Park supports a large population of western grey kangaroos and sometimes euros can be seen. Other native animals present but not frequently observed in the park include the small nocturnal yellow-footed antechinus, the ant and termite eating short-beaked echidna, the common ringtail possum and the brushtail possum.

2. Birds

There are over 120 species of birds recorded in the Para Wirra reserve. These include the emu which was introduced into the park in 1967. In the aquatic areas of the park birdlife includes the grey teal, Australasian grebe and cormorants. The South Para river and nearby woodland areas support birds such as white-faced herons, black ducks, white-browed babblers, black-chinned honeyeaters and eastern spinebills. A range of birds occur throughout the park including such species as the common bronze wing, scarlet robin, black-faced cuckoo shrike, restless flycatcher, grey currawong, little raven and the New Holland honeyeater. White throated treecreepers, brown treecreepers and white-winged choughs are observed in the woodland areas while laughing kookaburras, red-rumped parrots and peaceful doves prefer the grass and woodland areas. In areas of dense groundcover family groups of superb fairy wrens search for food. Flitting in the open areas are jacky winters and yellow-rumped thornbills.

3. Reptiles and Amphibians

There are 38 recorded reptiles and amphibians within Para Wirra Recreation Park. These include the long-necked tortoise, marbled gecko, tree dtella, bearded dragon, the shingle back, common grass skink and eastern blue tongue lizard. Only 5 species are amphibians: the brown tree frog, bull frog, spotted grass frog, Bibron's toadlet and brown froglet. The yellow faced whip snake, brown snake and the red bellied black snake have also been sighted in the park.