It is one of Australia's rarest birds and is recognised by the Office of Environment and Heritage as being critically endangered. Mulgoa is lucky enough to be one of the places that has regent honeyeater birds or as they are scientifically known, "Anthochaera phrygia". This bring additional pressure to the significance of the cumberland woodland areas that are preserved across the Mulgoa Valley. Properties like Fernhill estate with its large portion of natural bush provide a unique and safe breading ground for the Regent Honey eater to live. The conservation management plan for the future use of Fernhill estate should take into consideration the flora and fauna of the Mulgoa Valley as a whole to protect such critically endangered animals.
The Regent Honeyeaters feed on eucalyptus flowers, mistletoe, lerps and small insects from across the valley but requires a safe place to live and nest. Maintaining a conservation area on the eastern side of the Nepean River is essential to the future of these critically endangered animals. Cumberland Land Conservancy are doing a great job in not only protecting but restoring the properties that they manage to ensure that animals like the Regent Honeyeater are protected. Mulgoa Valley Landcare Inc. also are working towards restoring the diversity of vegetation in western Sydney. This, however, is under threat by the continual desire to further develop the Mulgoa Valley.
More information on the Regent Honeyeater is available here http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/286c0b52-815e-4a6c-9d55-8498c174a057/files/national-recovery-plan-regent-honeyeater.pdf
Special thanks to Mark Fuller and Mick Roderick for the permission to use their photographs. These special birds are endangered and elusive but these two have managed to take some amazing photographs.
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