Biodiversity

Biodiversity is the variety of all living things including plants, animals and micro organisms, and the ecosystems in which they live.

Human activity has played a major role in the decline of biodiversity. Land clearing, introduction of pest species and pollution of land and waters are just some of the factors that have contributed to the loss of biodiversity.

Most of the native vegetation in our local area has been cleared since European settlement and only a few small areas of remnant vegetation remain. There are two endangered ecological communities still represented in the area, including remnant species from the Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest community found at Ashfield Park, and a small community or Sydney Coastal Estuary Swamp Forest Complex that is now confined to a few remaining swamp mahogany trees (Eucalyptus robusta) in Robson Park. Ashfield Council is working to maintain the integrity of these remnant specimens.

Below are some of the things we can do to help protect biodiversity in the Ashfield area and to build a sustainable future for our children:

  • Plant native species as they provide a food source and shelter for local wildlife.
  • Remove exotic weeds from your garden and dispose of them appropriately.
  • Join a local landcare group such as the Inner West Environment Group (IWEG) who undertake revegetation works in the Ashfield LGA. For more information visit IWEG’s website http://www.iweg.org.au
  • Be a responsible pet owner by
    • Making sure your cat wears a bell;
    • Always picking up after your dog;
    • Microchipping, registering, de-sexing and regularly worming your dogs and cats (registration and microchipping will also help us reunite you with your pets if they get lost);
    • Keeping dogs within your property or on a leash; and
    • Keeping cats inside at night. 
  • Avoid pesticides and chemicals in your garden - birds, frogs and reptiles can become sick or die if they feed on insects sprayed with some pesticides. Look for natural alternatives such as planting insect deterring plants or companion planting.
  • Leave snakes and spiders alone because they belong in our environment.

With increasing urbanisation and pressures associated with the drought we are finding native birds and animals in the Ashfield Area that would not necessarily have lived here in the past. This is particularly evident with increasing incidences of Ibis within the local government area. Please click on this link for more information on the Australian White Ibis.

Feral animals can also cause problems to our local wildlife please visit the feral animal page on our website for further information.