Some findings of the survey
Some of the findings of the survey are summarised below. The full survey findings were compiled as a three-volume set of reports. These reports were published under the title 'Urban bushland biodiversity survey' and are available at many libraries. The reports are:
Overview and Recommendations Report - describes the social, biophysical and planning context;
Flora Technical Report - describes the findings relating to native plants and communities and includes appendices with summary reports for each local government area; and
Fauna Technical Report - describes the findings relating to native mammals, birds, aquatic macroinvertebrates, reptiles and frogs.
Findings of the flora survey
The survey showed that the plant communities of the Cumberland Plain are extremely diverse.
Plant species found in western Sydney
Orchids, eucalypts, acacias, peas and grasses were some of the best-represented families.
Vegetation communities found in western Sydney
A range of communities were discovered, dominated by eucalypts. Only seven per cent of the original Cumberland Plain woodlands still remain.
Mammals found in western Sydney
Not surprisingly, many native mammals have disappeared from this region since colonisation.
Birds found in western Sydney
Since European settlement, at least 38 species of native birds appear to have disappeared from the region.
Frogs found in western Sydney
The survey found that amphibians are a major part of the region's biodiversity.
Reptiles found in western Sydney
Reptiles have had mixed fortunes in the survey area since colonisation. Some have thrived, others declined.
Aquatic macroinvertebrates found in western Sydney
The survey indicated that western Sydney is rich in macroinvertebrate biodiversity.
Why has so much biodiversity been lost in western Sydney?
The usual suspects are to blame: urban development, weeds and pest animals, changed fire patterns, pollution and more.
Tables & references
See detailed tables of the survey results.
Page last updated: 27 February 2011
