John Masanauskas Herald Sun
February 5, 2020 12:11PM
Endangered eastern bristlebirds
from a colony of up to 180 are set to be moved from fire grounds in Mallacoota
to Melbourne Zoo to give them a chance at a future.
Mallacoota’s Howe Flat is home to
a colony of up to 180 endangered eastern bristlebirds, some of which will be
moved to Melbourne Zoo to act as an insurance population in case Howe Flat is
burnt by the East Gippsland fires.
Nine birds were trapped on
Wednesday — four pairs and a single bird.
The birds, which are not very
mobile, are being trapped in fine mist netting, which doesn’t harm them.
They were taken from Brokewells
Hut to Mallacoota by boat, then to the aerodrome by car for a flight to
Essendon and then on to Melbourne Zoo.
The Australian Defence Force
transported the staff.
MORE BUSHFIRE SUPPORT
Environment Minister Lily
D’Ambrosio said: “Our hardworking teams are ensuring this precious little bird
has a chance at a bright future despite the impact of these devastating fires,
which are still posing a threat to our native wildlife.
“This is fantastic news and a
testament to the dedication of multiple agencies working together to save an
endangered species.”
The mission started on Monday and
is due to take a week weather permitting.
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