Helmeted Honeyeaters a flutter

Eighteen Helmeted Honeyeaters have been released at Yellingbo Nature Conservation Reserve in an effort to save the species from extinction.

The birds, aged from seven to twelve months, are the latest graduates of Healesville Sanctuary’s captive breeding program and provide a massive boost to the wild population.

As few as 89 Helmeted Honeyeaters remained in the wild in 1990, however, thanks to the work of volunteer group the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP), Parks Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary, this number has risen to about 150 birds.

The 18 birds have undergone extensive training at Healesville Sanctuary in preparation for their release including ‘stranger danger’ training. This innovative program trains the birds to recognise and hide from natural predators such as Goshawks to give them the best chance of survival.

Speaking at the release, Karina Cartwright, Specialist Keeper Birds at Healesville Sanctuary, said this was an incredible step to bring this species back from extinction.

“Releases like this are so important for the Helmeted Honeyeater and gives the species a real chance of survival,” Ms Cartwright said.

“Saving the iconic Victorian Helmeted Honeyeater is a massive undertaking that involves government agencies, volunteer groups, Zoos Victoria and the community working together to ensure this species has a home in the wild.”

DELWP Senior Ornithologist Bruce Quinn said the department’s main role is to ensure the ongoing survival of the birds in the wild.

“We’ll be working hard to provide the habitat these young honeyeaters need to survive day-to-day in the wild, and to monitor their health to allow for breeding in the wild. With the generosity and dedication of Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater and Greening Australia volunteers planting
385,000 trees and shrubs for habitat, we’re striving to give them the best chance at a long and happy life,” Mr Quin said.

As part of the Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Team, Zoos Victoria and DELWP have been involved in the captive breeding and release of Helmeted Honeyeaters since 1989.

The wild population is supported by Healesville Sanctuary, DELWP, Parks Victoria Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Greening Australia and volunteer groups such as Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater.