Wildlife
The City of Belmont is home to many native animals. These are considered wild animals, and are legally protected, whether they live in natural areas or in your own backyard.
You can help to support your local wildlife by understanding their behaviour, minimising your impact on their habitats and working to create a
wildlife-friendly garden.
Most wild animals are harmless but, occasionally, a few species can cause problems. Most animals are only following their instincts and taking advantage of the opportunities available to them.
Help us Save Our Snake Necked Turtles
The City of Belmont has joined forces with Murdoch University, South West Group and other participating local governments to be part of the Lotterywest-funded Save Our Snake Necked Turtles (SOSNT) Project.
Any member of our community can contribute to this important citizen science initiative by recording turtle sightings using TurtleSAT, either using the mobile TurtleSAT app, or online.
We are also keen to hear from turtle enthusiasts interested in becoming Turtle Trackers, who will receive additional training to actively patrol for turtles on the move. Turtle Trackers will work with the City’s environment team to collect additional information and also directly help protect turtles and their nests.
If you are interested in becoming a Turtle Tracker, please contact the City’s environment team at environment@belmont.wa.gov.au or 9477 7257.
Sick or injured wildlife
If you find sick or injured wildlife in a park or streetscape, please phone the City of Belmont on 9477 7222.
For wildlife found on private property, you can contact:
The Wildcare Helpline is a 24-hour telephone referral service operated by volunteers who can provide advice on where to find care for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. The
website also includes instructions on basic first aid for wildlife.
Baby birds out of their nest
If you find a baby bird on the ground, trying to “rescue” it is not always the best thing to do, as the parents of the bird may be nearby and already taking care of it.
You could try to protect the baby bird by removing any hazards, such as keeping dogs, cats and people away from the area. Some baby birds might need specialist care, depending on their age, health and the situation. Read the
Wildcare Baby Bird tips for more information.
Feeding wild birds and animals
Please do not feed wild animals or birds. Many animals can become used to the presence of people and learn to take advantage of food scraps and offerings, which can upset the balance of nature and impact their health.
For further information on why you should not feed wild birds or animals, please refer to the
Information Sheet and the Healthy Wildlife Healthy Lives website.
Avian botulism in waterbirds
An increase of naturally occurring bacteria in the City’s lakes and waterways can cause avian botulism. This is a serious disease which causes progressive weakness, paralysis and death in waterbirds.
Read more in the
Avian Botulism Fact Sheet.
Swooping magpies
The natural behaviour of magpies is to defend their territory to protect eggs and young from attack during the nesting season, generally between August to October each year. For more information on how to avoid issues with swooping magpies, refer to the
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s website.
If you feel a swooping magpie has become a danger to people, it can be reported to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
Australian White Ibis
Each year the Australian White Ibis breeds in several City reserves, including Tomato Lake.
The ibis is a protected native species with large populations in the Perth metropolitan area. Ibis populations are attracted to areas with rubbish and food waste. To help control ibis populations and manage the impacts of their behaviour, please:
- Do not feed wildlife, including the ibis or any other waterbird, in line with recommendations in the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council‘s Healthy Wildlife: Healthy Lives project;
- Try to reduce the amount of food waste your household sends to landfill, as this is a key food source for the ibis;
- Take advantage of the City’s discounts for worm farms, compost bins and bokashi buckets through Switch your thinking’s Rewards for Residents Program to further reduce your organic waste;
- Wrap any food scraps and place in a bin immediately when you are using City parks and facilities – the City empties these bins regularly to avoid a build-up of rubbish which can attract ibis and other animals.
The City keeps informed of new information available through the Perth Airport Bird and Animal Hazard Management Advisory Committee and the Australian White Ibis Study coordinated by the Mindarie Regional Council. The City has also advocated to West Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) support for a regional control program.
For more information on the management of ibis, read the advice of the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in
Ibis Fauna Notes.
Snakes
Snakes are an important part of the natural environment with a vital role in wildlife ecosystems. In spring and summer, many reptiles emerge to bask in the sun. During this time, it’s important to be extra careful to avoid snakes.
If you see a snake:
- Do not approach or aggravate it in any way, as most bites occur when people accidentally step on snakes, or while attempting to kill them;
- If the snake is in a park or reserve, please phone the City of Belmont Parks, Leisure and Environment team on 9477 7257;
- If the snake is in your garden or house, search online for snake removal service near you.
For more information on dealing with snakes, including tips on reducing close encounters, please visit the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attraction’s website.
Bee Swarms
Part of bee colony reproduction involves swarming which usually occurs during September to November. Swarming occurs when a queen bee and a large number of worker bees move from an old hive to find a location for a new hive. The bees form a ball like formation (about the size of a football) and settle on vegetation or another object. A bee swarm is not a hive but can still cause a nuisance. Bees will usually disperse within 1-2 days when a new hive location is found.
Removal of bee swarms on private property is the responsibility of the property owner. A swarm collector or licensed pest control operator should be contacted to remove the bees. The Western Australian Apiarists Society has a list of swarm collectors on its website.
For more information on bee swarms visit the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website.
Bee swarms in parks and on the City’s land can be reported to the City’s Parks and Environment team by contacting the City on 9477 7222 or by email at belmont@belmont.wa.gov.au.
European Wasps
European Wasps are a declared pest in Western Australia. You are encouraged to make yourself familiar with European Wasps and report suspected sightings to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The European wasp looks similar to a common paper wasp, but is slightly smaller (the size of a bee), has black rather than yellow antennae, and builds underground nests. If you are experiencing problems on your property with wasps, other than European Wasps, contact a licensed pest controller to treat the nest.
Read the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Wasp Identification Guide.