VEGETATION MANAGEMENT PLAN for Bidjigal Reserve - Land

Vegetation Management Plan - Bidjigal Reserve4.3 Connectivity and CorridorsA review of aerial photography that covers the surrounding Region clearly shows the bushlandwithin Bidjigal Reserve would be a locally and regionally significant wildlife corridor. This bushlandprovides a linkage between other stands of similar vegetation, thereby providing opportunities forthe dispersal and interbreeding needs of native species.Bidjigal is directly connected to a number of other bushland reserves including Ted Horwood andEric Mobbs Reserves to the west, Richard Webb Reserve to the north-east and Speers Road Reserveto the south. This remnant vegetation is unique within the Western Suburbs landscape, providinghabitat linkage, and allows for the movement of fauna species within the fragmented urbanlandscape.The presence of surrounding houses and urban development may limit the corridor value furtherbeyond those areas of bushland directly connected to Bidjigal Reserve, bar the most urban tolerantand mobile of native animals – primarily birds and arboreal mammals. Such animals are expected toeasily negotiate open spaces and urban infrastructure.The Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) is known to breed in the Cumberland State Forest locatedapproximately 1.2 kilometres from Bidjigal Reserve. It is assumed that the owl travels betweenthese two locations for foraging in Bidjigal Reserve (pers. comm. Carol Isaacs).The closest areas (reserves) of native bushland to Bidjigal Reserve include:• Cumberland State Forest (~ 1200 metres north east);• Lake Parramatta Reserve (~1150 metres south);• Berowra Valley Regional Park (~ 3200 metres north east); and• Lane Cove National Park (~4300 metres east north east).The locations of these areas are illustrated in Figure 4.5.UBM Ecological Consultants Pty Ltd 66