THE LARGE FOREST OWLS PROJECT – SAFE HAVENS WINTER WORKSHOP
Last weekend, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Large Forest Owls Project – Safe Havens Winter Workshop by the Nature Conservation Council of NSW. It delved into the symbiotic relationships between owls and old-growth trees. As I am both a nature enthusiast and an artist who loves and draws old-growth Trees, I was keen to learn more about these incredible powerful and vulnerable large birds, and their need for hollow bearing Trees. The workshop gave presentations from leading wildlife experts from the Nature Conservation Council about this fascinating world of owls and their prey, such as sugar gliders that are also hollow dependent. The workshop both deepened my appreciation for old-growth Trees and the delicate balance of our natural world, and the importance of raising awareness about preserving our native habitats.
The workshop was hosted in the beautiful Banyula Conservation Reserve in the Pillar Valley, surrounded by many towering old-growth trees. We learnt that the presence of large forest owls in parts of the Bundjalung, Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr country, in the lower Richmond and lower Clarence floodplains of northern NSW, was a sign of healthy forest ecosystems. We also learnt about the dangers of extreme climatic changes such as the catastrophic bush fires of 2019-20, which destroyed 22.5% of old-growth trees. Many contained owlets and other native species. The Large Forest Owls project became one of post-fire recovery. For detailed information on the project please see the Nature Conservation Council website.
It was uplifting and hopeful, to hear about the work of the Nature Conservation Council who are working with private landholders to both assist in the preservation of these native species and habitat. They explained their programs such as passive acoustic monitoring, nest boxes for other hollow dependent species such as sugar gliders; and identifying, monitoring and mapping critical hollow bearing trees. The setting of Banyula Conservation Reserve was the perfect backdrop for our workshop. We had several engaging and expert presentations on owls, and they shared captivating stories about the behaviours of different owl species. We heard their different recorded calls, we learnt about song meters that record the owls presence. The wildlife experts pointed out various signs of owl activity, such as pellet remains (regurgitated remnants of owl prey) fluffy tails (as if surgically removed) lying in the bush and big old trees for their nesting sites. They even had an example of the new 3D printed hollows. We had a cultural burning presentation from ‘Jagun Alliance’, who showed examples of cultural burning with white smoke, patched and controlled cool burning. Images showed examples of native habitat were protected from the hot fires with healthy ecosystems and no damaged canopies due to this ancient practice.
The Symbiotic Relationship
Another highlight of the workshop was the experience of guided bush walks through the trees, pointing out various Old-growth trees, towering giants of 220 years or more. We also saw Trees about 150 years old, who will be the next generation of hollow bearing trees. These large old-beings provide essential habitats for many species, such as Yellow Bellied Glider, Southern Greater Glider – prey for large forest owls like the Powerful Owl, the Barking Owl, and Masked Owls. These ancient trees offer perfect nesting sites in their cavities, providing a safe haven for owl families. This symbiotic relationship is a beautiful example of nature’s interconnectedness. The presence of owls indicates a healthy, thriving forest, while the trees offer the resources these nocturnal hunters need to survive.
Importance of Native Habitats
Preserving old-growth forests is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability. Unfortunately, these habitats face numerous threats, including ongoing and extensive land clearing and deforestation, urban development, and extreme climate change conditions such as harsh droughts and the devastating bush fires of 2019-2020. The loss of these old-growth trees not only endangers the owls but also impacts countless other species that rely on these hollow bearing tree forests for their survival. Conservation efforts are vital to protect these irreplaceable ecosystems and many thanks to the Nature Conservation Council and other environmental groups who work hard to support native species and habitat. By encouraging and participating in habitat restoration projects, and advocating for stronger environmental protections, we can help ensure that future generations of owls and other wildlife continue to thrive.
Attending the “Large Forest Owls Project – Safe Havens Winter Workshop” was a transformative learning experience. It reminded me of the delicate balance of ecosystems that exist in nature and the need to raise awareness about the importance of these symbiotic relationships. Protecting our native habitats is not just about preserving beauty and green spaces for our health; it’s about understanding and safeguarding these complex and intricate ecosystems that support us all. By raising awareness and taking simple on-ground action like reducing harmful weeds, planting local native seedlings and safeguarding natural regrowth, we will protect these habitats. We can make a significant difference in preserving biodiversity and ecological health for generations of human and non-human beings.
