Restoration efforts first began 30 years ago on the wetland buffer of Lake Claremont – a designated Conservation Category Wetland and Bush Forever site just west of Perth, Western Australia. Following the detection of the introduced polyphagous shot-hole borer (PSHB) (Euwallacea fornicates) in late 2022, which infested and killed many trees, 50 trees were removed in 2023, with a further 80 identified for imminent removal.

The PSHB is an invasive beetle native to Southeast Asia. According to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the PSHB poses a significant threat to the local tree canopy as it farms a fungus inside trees that kills the trees’ vascular tissues and leads to their death. For heavily infested trees, the only effective treatment is complete removal and chipping into tiny pieces.

To restore wildlife habitat lost to the beetle, planting more trees and understorey in the area is essential. “Many significant trees have been removed due to PSHB and we are focused over the next few years on replanting gaps left by these large tree removals,” FOLC coordinator Nick Cook says.

Planet Ark has had the privilege of supporting the FOLC’s ongoing restoration efforts through The Seedling Bank since 2019, when FOLC became our very first grant recipient.

With our funding in 2022, FOLC planted 1,050 seedlings, including a mix of shrubs and ground covers to increase plant diversity and provide habitat for native animals inhabiting the area. Since 2022, FOLC’s relocation project for endangered quendas has seen the successful establishment of a viable population at Lake Claremont, despite ongoing threats such as predation by domestic cats.Through their dedicated efforts and collaboration with communities, local authorities and schools, FOLC has transformed the area into a thriving ecosystem, re-establishing native habitats and fostering biodiversity.

This year, 800 native seedlings (100 trees, 350 shrubs and 350 ground covers) have been planted on the northwestern buffer of Lake Claremont.Volunteers replaced a large Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa) affected by PHSB infestation with native plants to enhance the local wildlife habitat, thereby benefiting insects, frogs, birds and brown bandicoots. The new vegetation will also provide much-needed cover for female snake-necked turtles, which are declining throughout south-west Western Australia, protecting them during nesting from predators such as ravens.

Approximately 80 volunteers including local school children, FOLC members and other volunteers participated in planting, weeding and watering activities. Participants also had the opportunity to learn about biodiversity, native plants and bushland care during follow-up tree care projects.

Overall, the project contributes to the area’s function as a regional ecological corridor, linking inland bushlands, the Swan River and the Indian Ocean. The population size and diversity of bird species in the area have steadily increased since restoration efforts three decades ago, with over 100 species now residing in or visiting the area. Some bird species such as the variegated fairy-wren (Malurus lamberti) have also made a comeback, noting the project’s success in improving habitat quality and enhancing biodiversity.

“By replacing lost trees and creating thriving habitats for wildlife, this ongoing urban restoration project at Lake Claremont presents a significant step towards preserving Perth’s unique biodiversity, addressing biodiversity threat and fostering long- term ecological resilience,” Nick says.

South West snake-necked turtle hatchling image by Nick Cook.