What is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is short for biological diversity, and it describes the variety of living organisms and ecological communities in a given area. Biodiversity in the Inner West includes all our plants, animals and micro-organisms, the genetic information they contain, and the ecological communities they form with our soils, waterways, and local climate.
Although they can look like 'urban jungles', cities are often found in 'biodiversity hotpots' and play a critical role in the conservation of plants and animals that are threatened with extinction. Biodiversity is also crucial for our quality of life. Our soils, plants, animals, and waterways deliver the 'ecosystem services' or benefits that support the health and liveability of urban areas.
In the Inner West, biodiversity depends on the quantity and quality of habitat provided on public and private land. Read below to learn about some of the plants and animals in the Inner West, the ecological assets and programs Council manages with support from community volunteers, and the resources that can help you support biodiversity at home.
Threatened & Protected Migratory Species
Did you know around 40 threatened and protected migratory species have been recorded in the Inner West? While some of these might visit rarely, others live here permanently or seasonally. If you're planning a development, or just curious, visit the Threatened Species Map and see below for examples of the residents and regular visitors. You can also learn about threatened ecological communities by visiting Native Plants of the Inner West
Plants & Animals
707 plant species recorded since 2014, around half are native to NSW
249 bird species recorded since 2014
49 mammal species recorded since 2014, including 10 species of bat
50 species of amphibian and reptiles, including four frog and two turtle species
Ecological Assets & Programs
24 hectares of land managed for biodiversity, including Natural Areas and waterways
52 Natural Areas on public land, where native bushland is being restored or recreated
5 reconstructed wetlands and 3 reconstructed saltmarsh systems
2 Community Nurseries growing over 200 species of local native plants
Around 160 artificial and natural hollows under ecological management
Community Ecology
Over 100 verge gardens, and 5 Adopt-a Spots, in the Living Streets Program
10 volunteer groups, providing around 1,700 hours work, in the Bushcare program
3 citizen science groups surveying birds at Tempe, the GreenWay, and Marrickville Golf Course
128 volunteer events at the Community Nurseries
Residents and visitors to the Inner West can support the goals of the Biodiversity Strategy at home, in the neighbourhood, and by partnering with Council. Some examples include:
- Volunteering - join a Citizen Scientist group to monitor local fauna, grow native plants at the Community Nursery, or create habitat for wildlife in Council's Bushcare program.
- Responsible pet ownership - roaming cats and dogs will harm native habitat and kill local wildlife. Follow the rules for keeping dogs on-leash in public places. Practice cat containment, especially at night, to protect native animals and prevent illness or injury to your cat.
- Create habitat at home - create a native garden in your verge by joining the Living Streets Program, learn about Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design, and follow guidelines for building habitat in your backyard.
Threatened Species in the Inner West
Grey-headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) - the largest Australian bat. Moderately common and widely distributed in the Inner West. Photo Credit: David Noble
Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua) - the largest owl in Australasia. Rare, with limited distribution in the Inner West. Photo credit: David Noble
Large-eared Pied Bat (Chalinolobus dwyeri) - There is limited knowledge of this bat's ecology. Limited distribution in the Inner West, and most likely rare abundance. Photo Credit: Doug Beckers
Yellow-bellied Sheath-tailed Bat (Saccolaimus flaviventris) - large, insectivorous microbat up to 87mm long. Limited distribution in the Inner West.
Southern Myotis (Myotis macrocarpus) - A small fish and insect eating microbat with disproportionately large feet. Has a moderately widespread distribution in the Inner West. Photo credit: R & A Williams
Large Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus orianae oceanensis) - Insectivorous microbat that roosts in cave-like structures. A seasonal resident that is widespread in the Inner West. Photo credit: R & A Williams
Little Bent-winged Bat (Miniopterus australis) - Insectivorous microbat with a body length of only 45mm. A seasonal resident that is widespread in the Inner West. Photo Credit: Greg Little