Natural Resources
The Shire of Capel is in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. We have several rare native plants and animals living all around us.
We all have a responsibility to reduce and minimise the impact we have on our precious environment.
The Western Ringtail Possum and the Red Tailed and White-Tailed Black Cockatoos all use Shire reserves and privately-owned bushland for feeding and nesting.
We also have some of the rarest plants in the world living in our bushland areas. The rare Drakea Elastica lives in wetland areas and rare spider orchids in drier areas.
If you need advice on how to manage your bushland to help protect these very special plant and animals, please contact the Natural Resource Management Officer at the Shire.
FAQs
What can I do about rabbits on my land?
If you live on more than 1Ha of land contact the Leschenault Biosecurity Group www.lbginc.org.au as they have a Calicivirus rabbit control program.
If your block is smaller or the rabbits are burrowing under infrastructure such buildings or water tanks, contact a professional pest controller.
What can I do about foxes that are a problem at my place?
If you are on a block over 1ha contact the Leschenault Biosecurity Group www.lbginc.org.au If you are on a smaller block, contact a professional
- Alpha Pest Animal Solutions- 0499 304 307
gavern@alphapest.com.au
Animal Pest Management Services- 1800 842 199 or 08 9726 2537
enquiries@animalpest.com.au
I have some sick native trees, what can I do?
Many of our mature native trees are looking stressed due to hotter, drier times.
This stress also makes the trees more prone to fungal infections.
Dieback?
The Shire has a “Dieback Injection Kit” that you can borrow to inject sick trees with Phosphite, a chemical known to boost the tree’s immune system.
Contact the Natural Resource Management Officer at the Shire on 08 9727 0222
There is a possum in my roof. Can I trap it and release it somewhere else?
No, you are not legally allowed to trap possums, as they are an endangered species.
Relocating a possum will not work as another possum will just move in, using the way the current possum accesses your roof.
Enticing the possum out of the roof and closing up where the possum is getting in is the only way to fix this problem.
See the Information sheet on Possums in your roof
Native Animals
Information on Native Animals
If you’ve found injured wildlife,
call the Wildcare Helpline on 08 9474 9055.
The wildlife volunteers can put you in touch with your nearest registered wildlife rehabilitator.
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They can also:
- offer advice on sick, injured or displaced native wildlife
- refer callers to a wider network of experts for assistance.
They can also provide information on dealing with snakes and stranded whales or dolphins.
The Wildcare helpline cannot attend rescues, assist with non-native or domestic animals.
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Contact the RSPCA for emergencies and acts of cruelty.
Other Useful Resources
Weed Control
Cottonbush is a major environmental weed that spreads quickly via seeds that float on the breeze. If you see this weed growing anywhere, please contact the Shire.
Capel Land Conservation District Committee- Weed It Out Brochure
More information on Cottonbush
Native gardens
If you have some space in your yard for a native plant but don’t know which one, visit Michael Tichbon Park, opposite the Community Centre on Hasties Rd Gelorup. Michael and the Capel Land Conservation District Committee (LCDC) have selected native waterwise plants that are suitable for urban gardens.
KEEPING IT LOCAL- NATIVE PLANT BOOKLET
A guide for selecting locally relevant native plant species in the Shire of Capel.
The Keeping it Local – Native Plant Booklet was produced in collaboration with the Leschenault Catchment Council and the aforementioned local government areas.
It focuses on species readily available from local nurseries, aiming to assist community members in choosing suitable species for various planting projects, including home gardens, verge gardens, council plantings, re-vegetation projects and shelter belts.
Each species is described with icons noting which local government areas they are suitable for and what tolerances or special characteristics they may have.
Download the Booklet HERE
Native road verge
If you would like to plant a native road verge, please submit your plan using the Nature Verge planning guide
Natural Mozzie Control
Native microbats can eat their own body weight in mozzies every night. To encourage microbats to your place, consider making a microbat box
Bat box construction
Bat Box Construction Guide