Australian White Ibis
The Australian White Ibis (Threskiornis molucca) is a native waterbird protected under NSW legislation. While ibis play an important role in the natural environment, by aerating the soil and acting as a control for invertebrate populations. In response to natural inland wetlands being degraded by agricultural water extraction and habitat loss, Australian White Ibis numbers have decreased across their natural range. However, in some urban parks and gardens where they have access to urban waterbodies and artificial food sources, large populations can sometimes create impacts for local communities and natural areas.
Large numbers of Ibis, such as the breeding colony at Lake Annan, can increase significantly during the breeding season (generally July to December). Large breeding colonies may result in:
- Increased noise
- Unpleasant odours
- Accumulation of droppings and nesting material
- Damage to vegetation and habitat
What is Council doing?
Like all native Australian fauna in New South Wales, the Australian White Ibis is protected by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016; it is an offence to interfere with or harm native wildlife.
Camden Council manages the ibis population at Lake Annan under a Management Plan and a Licence to Harm granted by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
Council officers regularly monitor the breeding colony and population numbers, including adults, juveniles, eggs and nests. Approved management activities may include egg oiling and the removal of selected abandoned nests to help reduce environmental and community impacts.
How can you help?
The community can help by:
- Never feeding ibis or other wildlife;
- Placing food scraps and rubbish in bins;
- Securing bin lids to prevent access by birds;
- Keeping public spaces clean and free of food waste;
- Reporting any injured birds to WIRES; and
- Reporting any sick or dead birds to Council.
If you have any concerns or need further information you can contact Council on 13 22 63 or by emailing mail@camden.nsw.gov.au.