In Springvale South, a suburb in Melbourne’s south-east, hundreds of birds have suddenly and mysteriously dropped dead. According to authorities, poisoning is likely the cause behind this shocking development. Local opposition from the Horsham Rural City Council has been strong. The nature of these seedings led them to realize something more was going on. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has opened an investigation. At the helm of that effort is its Conservation Regulator.
That fateful event has drawn international outcry because of the erosion of the staggering amount of birds lost. It’s a reminder of the astonishing diversity of species participating in it. Included among the dead native animals are native corellas, crested pigeons, ravens, sulphur crested cockatoos and silver gulls. Wildlife carer Michele Phillips has 35 years of experience and runs the South Oakleigh Wildlife Shelter. She calculates that about 400 native corellas and pigeons would have been affected by the suspected poisoning.
Community Response and Cleanup Efforts
When cleaners at the Springvale South Shopping Centre saw birds, they knew what to do. Their hard work demonstrated the community’s dedication to addressing this heartbreaking epidemic. Local residents have rallied together to assist in the cleanup effort, recognizing the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both wildlife and community members.
Phillips can’t walk around the area without seeing people feeding the birds these days. This habit constantly has her worried about possible exposure to harmful chemicals. That’s not something people think about, but people do it all the time,” she said, stressing the importance of public education about the impacts of feeding wild birds.
The investigation into these deaths is vital not just for understanding the immediate crisis but for preventing future incidents. These important new findings will help determine the best preventive action to save our much-loved native bird species and keep communities out of harm’s way.
Legal Implications Surrounding Wildlife Protection
The corellas, a native bird species, are protected under the Victorian Wildlife Act 1975. This bill recognizes that anyone who is convicted of knowingly hunting, taking, or destroying protected wildlife should be subject to severe consequences. Currently the maximum fine is $10,175.50, in addition to potential imprisonment for up to six months. Further, defendants can face an additional penalty of $1,017.55 per head of wildlife.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence, but rather a reflection of a growing and worrying trend. Earlier this year, Agriculture Victoria and the Conservation Regulator opened an investigation after scores of dead corellas were discovered in the Wimmera region. Such patterns raise deeper concerns about systemic threats to local wildlife as well.
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is working triple-time to run toxicology tests on the dead birds. They have taken the birds to Healesville Sanctuary for further testing and examination. In reading through death certificates, we often don’t know without further investigation if poisoning was really the cause of death at all.
Reporting Sick or Dead Wildlife
State and federal officials are encouraging residents to keep a lookout for sick or dead wild birds and report them immediately. If you are able to count five or more cases, come find us! Book an appointment Visit a shop Report your findings online or call us on 136 186. This forward-thinking step can help to more quickly detect emerging threats to wildlife and more quickly investigate other related incidents.
