When we think of pigeons, we often associate them with the feral pigeons (or rats of the sky as they are sometimes less-affectionately known) which cause damage to properties and pose a health risk. In stark contrast to these pesky urban dwellers is the ground dwelling Australian native Squatter Pigeon (southern). Listed as a vulnerable species under state and federal legislation, the Squatter Pigeon utilises open forests and woodlands, and can be found around Stanwell Power Station foraging and breeding.
Squatter Pigeons can be found in 12 state conservation reserves in Queensland, including our Stanwell Power Station Nature Refuge, near Rockhampton. Approximately 19.3 per cent of Stanwell Power Station’s land (2,579 hectares) is comprised of essential habitat (498 hectares) for a range of endangered, vulnerable and near threatened species, and fauna and flora.
From business-wide wildlife management plans, to providing our people with specialist skills and training, we focus on reducing our footprint on the land in which we operate, recognising, managing, and addressing our potential impact.
Stanwell’s Environmental Advisor, Jodi Liddell, said the most significant control to protect our native wildlife was through the application of Stanwell’s Land Disturbance Procedure.
“The company-wide procedure is designed to apply the highest level of protection to all native animals,” she said.
“Our people have specialist skills to undertake land disturbance assessments and have the training and experience to identify animal habitat and breeding places, like that of the ground nesting Squatter Pigeon.
“The biggest threat to our wildlife is habitat loss, so protecting the remaining habitat on our land is the most effective control we have.”
The Squatter Pigeon is one of many native vulnerable species that call the land surrounding out sites home. So, for us, while it is important that we focus on providing a reliable and secure supply of energy for Queenslanders, it is just as important to ensure our nearest neighbours – some of Queensland’s smallest and most vulnerable animals – are protected.