Animals and threatened species

Our local fauna

Cessnock has a diverse range of animal (fauna) species across the different habitats and ecosystems in the area, including a large number of threatened species.

The connection of woodlands across the Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) through the presence of significant areas of National Parks and state forests (including Yengo, Wollemi, Watagan and Werakata National Parks) form key highways (or corridors) for animal species to use in moving between habitats for food, breeding or seasonal changes. Please visit NSW Government to find details of sighted species in the LGA.

---

Woodland birds

The Hunter Bird Observers Club have recorded over 350 bird species in the Lower Hunter, including an exceptionally high number of species in the LGA.

The woodlands of the Cessnock LGA provide an important cross-over point between coastal species and more inland species such as the Regent Honeyeater (critically endangered), Black-chinned Honeyeater (vulnerable) and Brown Treecreeper (vulnerable), and are also important ‘wintering grounds’ for the Swift Parrot (critically endangered).

---

Sick or injured wildlife

If you encounter sick or injured wildlife, The Native Animal Trust Fund Hunter Wildlife Rescue can help. Please contact the 24 Hour Emergency Rescue Hotline by calling 0418 628 483.

---

Helping our native fauna by managing weeds and pest animals

Managing weeds and invasive vertebrate pests is vital to improving the connectivity and quality of habitat for native fauna locally, and across the Hunter region. The Local Land Services Act 2013 states that:‘all land managers in NSW, whether on public or private land, have an obligation to control declared pest species on their land.’ 

---

Weeds 

Weeds are a serious threat to our native vegetation, threatened species and endangered ecological communities. To help identify, manage and prevent weeds on your property and your local area, please visit our weeds management page.

---

Vertebrate pests 

Vertebrate pests not only affect our native fauna, but have serious, and sometimes fatal, impacts on local livestock. Advice and support on managing these pests is available through NSW Local Land Services.

---

Threatened Species

All native birds, reptiles,amphibians and mammals (except the dingo) are protected in NSW by the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Hundreds of these species are listed as threatened, giving them additional protection under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 in NSW, and through the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 under Commonwealth legislation. Categories of listing include:

• vulnerable
• endangered
• critically endangered
• presumed extinct

The following accordions contains a sample of threatened species of fauna in NSW. Please visit the Office of Environment and Heritage for full details.

---