The Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, a threatened species found at Mary Cairncross
Did you know the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is home to more than twenty of Australia’s threatened plants and animals?
Visitors can get up close and personal with some of the under-threat flora and fauna species at the Sunshine Coast Council-managed reserve when it hosts a National Threatened Species Day event on September 8.
Environment Portfolio Councillor Tony Wellington said the event would be an engaging and educational insight to important local environmental issues.
“National Threatened Species Day commemorates the death of the last Tasmanian Tiger in captivity back in 1936,” he said.
“It’s a salient reminder that many vulnerable species are reliant upon human intervention for their very survival.
“This event at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve aims to give visitors a really thorough rundown of the plants and animals most at threat and what we can do to curb that threat.
“While National Threatened Species Day actually falls on September 7 this year, council will hold this event on Saturday, September 8 to enable as many visitors as possible to attend.”
Division 5 Councillor Jenny McKay said the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve itself wasn’t immune to potential environmental threats.
“Several animal species like the Spotted Quoll and Cascade Treefrog have gone missing from the reserve in recent times. This is due to the reserve becoming isolated from other forested areas and also due to impacts from domestic and feral animals,” she said.
“So events such as National Threatened Species Day are vitally important in reminding us all of our responsibilities as custodians of the environment.”
Free activities on the day will include:
· 7:30am-9am – Brilliant Birds walk, with local enthusiast Phil Bender
· 9:30am – Precious Plants with Brush Turkey Enterprises
· 10am-11am – Amazing Animals, live display with Geckos Wildlife
· Special displays at the MCSR Education Centre
Details of activities can be found in the event section of www.mary-cairncross.com.au or phone (07) 5429 6122. Numbers to some activities at the National Threatened Species Day event are limited so registrations are essential.