Conservation of significant fauna
The City of Canning helps to conserve protected fauna species listed as threatened or a priority by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Fauna in our city
Protecting native species is a high priority for the City of Canning’s conservation team.
Aussie Bird Count
Join Australia’s biggest citizen-science event from 20-26 October 2025.
Birds are everywhere. In our backyards, balconies, local parks and schoolyards, and they have amazing stories to tell about the health of our environment. Right now, one in six Australian birds faces the threat of extinction, making it more important than ever to pay attention.
The Aussie Bird Count is a fun, easy way for all of us to take a national snapshot of the birds we see and start noticing the nature around us. With just 20 minutes, you can help build a picture of how our feathered friends are faring and contribute to something that really counts.
What to keep an eye out for...
- Canning has approximately 144 bird species.
- Species are an interesting mix of estuarine, wetland and bushland birds.
- Occasionally international migrants from the arctic visit Canning around spring / summer (e.g. Bar-tailed Godwits, Eurasian Curlew).
- Some Australian migrants visit Canning from the north of WA, around spring / summer each year (e.g. Sacred Kingfisher, Rainbow Bee-eater).
Download our bird these resources to learn more:
Learn more about Fauna in Canning
Saving Our Snake-necked Turtle
Help save our Snake-necked Turtle with citizen science!
Bird friendly rodent control
Residents are encouraged to help protect our native wildlife by using bird friendly rodent controls around the home.
Feral pest management
The City of Canning undertakes feral pest management to help control environmentally-damaging animals in natural areas.
Wildlife protection
The City helps to protect these animals by protecting and improving habitat areas.
Get involved – Environmental Volunteer Groups
There are many enthusiastic community groups with the City of Canning helping to restore and protect the natural environment.
Fauna found in Canning
Many native animals are found in Canning, including some of Perth’s more iconic species.
Black swans (Cygnus atratus) / Maali (Noongar name)
Black swans occupy many areas of the Canning River and surrounding wetlands. Black swans breed from May to September and produce an average of six offspring each brood. They feed on aquatic vegetation and rely on undisturbed shoreline habitats for breeding.
The City undertakes ongoing maintenance of the foreshore and revegetation of degraded areas to assist with the protection of this species.
Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa)
Bobtails move slowly and bask in the sun in many of Canning’s bushland areas. Breeding in early summer, bobtails give birth to an average of two young in autumn, which usually remain with their mother for one-to-two years.
Unfortunately, bobtails often fall prey to dog attacks and road accidents. You can help protect bobtails by keeping dogs on leads and watching out for bobtails near bushland areas.
Carnaby's cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) and Forest red-tailed black cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus banksii)
Endemic to southwest Western Australia, the Carnaby's black cockatoo and Forest red-tailed black cockatoo are two large black birds frequenting Canning. These birds rely on mature trees such as the Marri tree (Corymbia calophylla) for feeding and roosting.
Loss of habitat and loss of native food sources caused by urban development on the Swan coastal plain has led to the rapid depletion of these birds.
The City helps to conserve the remaining populations of these threatened species. See the Conservation of Significant Fauna page to learn more.
Tiger snake (Notechis scutatus)
Tiger snakes are venomous snakes found in vegetation around the Canning’s wetland areas, and often sun themselves in open areas. Tiger snakes hunt small mammals, frogs and lizards.
If you see a snake in a City natural area or park, leave it alone and do not bother it in any way. If it doesn’t move, phone the City who can arrange for it to be moved to a more suitable area.
If you see a snake in another location, please call the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
The Wildcare Helpline no longer offers a volunteer callout service for the relocation of reptiles. If you need the removal or relocation of reptiles on private property, please contact a pest control service or volunteer reptile handler/snake catcher.
This information is taken from:
- Haight, R 2007, Bobtail Rehabilitation. National Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference Proceedings, Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
- Swan River Trust 2013, Black Swan Cygnus atratus Fact Sheet, Government of Western Australia.
- Department of Environment and Conservation 2013, Dealing with Snakes.
Was this page helpful?
Thank you for your feedback!