Woodland Reserve is Whiteman Park’s premier conservation program, providing a world class breeding facility for rare and endangered fauna of the state, including the critically endangered woylie.
Encompassing over 50 hectares of natural woodlands, Woodland Reserve is a specially designed, electrified predator-proof facility located to the north of the Park’s Village precinct.
The Reserve aims to provide an interpretive facility for the public, increasing community appreciation of the importance of regional biodiversity by active demonstration of management for conservation.
It provides the public with an important insight into fauna conservation within the state, with a vision to create a 'Coastal Plain landscape containing the natural complement of biodiversity, to be sustained in perpetuity'.
The introduction of eight woylies (Bettongia penicillata) and a number of quenda (Isoodon obesulus) in 2010 marked the beginning of this high calibre conservation program for the Park. A further ten woylies were introduced in 2011 and all are breeding well. Planned reintroductions of plant and animal species which are presently extinct or in decline within the Reserve will provide a significant contribution to the protection and management of Australian biodiversity as a whole.
Woodland Reserve Walks
A scenic walk trail, suitable for all ages, meanders through Woodland Reserve, showcasing the unique flora of the area. Walkers encounter prime banksia woodland, mystic melaleuca damplands and the exquisite beauty of king jarrah and marri trees. All of these experiences, coupled with the possibility of a glimpse of a rare native animal, provide visitors with a unique woodland journey like no other.
Guided nocturnal tours, available by booking only, will present an up close encounter of native fauna of region in their natural environment, all just 30 minutes from the Perth CBD. See the Events Listing for upcoming tour dates.
Habitat Protection
Whiteman Park is alive with native fauna, inhabiting vast expanses of remnant Banksia woodland. Marri and Jarrah trees grace the dunes of the Bassendean Sands, interspersed with Paperbark and Eucalypt lined damp lands.
Over 400 species of plants and 140 vertebrate species have been identified within Whiteman Park, including a number of endangered and rare species. These include the southern brown bandicoot, honey possum, ashy grey mouse and native water rat.
Habitat protection is the primary focus of Woodland Reserve, as a key element in retaining and supporting wildlife communities. Banksia species are an essential component, supplying nectar to a wide array of bird species and also the unique honey possum population. Follicles of this species, in conjunction with fruits from hakea and eucalypts, also provide significant food sources for the threatened Carnaby's Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus latirostris).
Environmental Education
In addition to the habitat protection and species renewal, Woodland Reserve aims to provide an interpretive facility for the general public, allowing the wider community to appreciate the importance of regional biodiversity by actively demonstrating 'management for conservation'.
Woodland Reserve will enhance existing biodiversity values of the Park, offering a precinct in which visitors can enjoy and learn of the ecology of the Banksia woodland habitat. It's situation close to the Whiteman Park Village makes the Reserve easily accessible for young and old, allowing all family members to experience the woodland wonderland.
Public education, as the last major phase of this project, will be available in 2012.
