Proud to Achieve "Land For Wildlife" Designation.

In 2021, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions approved Esperance Wildlife Sanctuary's application for Land For Wildlife designation.

The WA Land for Wildlife program is a voluntary scheme in Western Australia that encourages and assists private landholders to manage areas of their property for biodiversity conservation and wildlife habitat.

How it works:

Voluntary Registration: Landholders with properties typically larger than 1 hectare and with existing native vegetation or a watercourse can register their interest.

Property Assessment and Advice: A Land for Wildlife officer (often from regional NRM groups in partnership with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions - DBCA) will review the property. They assess its conservation values and provide tailored advice on how to best manage the land to protect and enhance native plants and animals. This can cover things like weed control, revegetation, fire management, and creating wildlife corridors.

Resources and Support: Participating landholders receive an information kit, access to expert advice, invitations to workshops and field days, and sometimes opportunities to participate in citizen science projects. They also receive a Land for Wildlife sign to display on their property.

Why is it beneficial?

The Land for Wildlife program offers numerous benefits, both for the environment and for the landholders themselves:

For Biodiversity and the Environment:

Expands Habitat Networks: A significant portion of Western Australia's biodiversity is found on private land. The program helps to protect and expand these crucial habitats, creating a network of conserved areas that complements public national parks and reserves.

Creates Wildlife Corridors: By linking remnants of native vegetation on different properties, the program helps create "stepping stones" and corridors that allow wildlife to move more safely through the landscape, reducing isolation and increasing genetic diversity.

Protects Threatened Species: Many threatened species rely on habitat found on private land. Land for Wildlife provides a mechanism for landholders to actively manage these areas for their protection and recovery.

Improves Ecosystem Health: Managing native vegetation on private land contributes to broader ecosystem health by:

• Slowing stormwater runoff and reducing erosion.

• Helping to combat salinity.

• Providing natural pest control.

• Enhancing water quality.

Data Collection for Conservation: Data collected from Land for Wildlife properties contributes to a broader understanding of local wildlife populations and helps inform larger conservation efforts and secure future funding for projects.

For Landholders:

Expert Advice and Knowledge: Landholders gain access to free, tailored advice from environmental and wildlife specialists on how to best manage their property for conservation, improving their skills and knowledge.

Community Connection: It connects like-minded individuals who are passionate about conservation, fostering a sense of community and providing opportunities to share experiences and learn from peers.

Educational Resources: Participants receive information kits, booklets, and access to workshops that deepen their understanding of local flora and fauna and best management practices.

Recognition of Efforts: The Land for Wildlife sign acknowledges and celebrates the landholder's commitment to nature conservation, which can be a source of pride.

No Legal Obligations: The voluntary nature of the program means landholders retain full control over their property and are not bound by legal agreements, making it an accessible entry point for many.

Potential for Other Benefits: In some cases, managing land for wildlife can also provide agricultural benefits (e.g., shelter for stock, reduced erosion) and enhance the aesthetic value of the property.

The WA Land for Wildlife program is beneficial because it empowers private landholders to play a critical role in biodiversity conservation, offering practical support and fostering a collaborative approach to protecting Western Australia's unique natural heritage.