Native wildlife within 10km of Foote Sanctuary

Within a 10 kilometre radius of Buderim Mountain, the mix of rainforest, eucalyptus forest and creek corridors supports over 100 bird species, along with small mammals, reptiles, frogs and countless insects. Decades of regeneration work have helped rebuild the layered habitats these species depend on.

Here’s a closer look at the wildlife that calls this area home.

A haven for birdlife

Foote Sanctuary is particularly well known for its birdlife. The diversity of habitats within the 10km radius creates ideal conditions for both forest and woodland species.

Commonly sighted birds include:

• Australian King Parrot
• Laughing Kookaburra
• Rainbow Lorikeet
• Pale-headed Rosella
• Sulphur-crested Cockatoo
• Sacred Kingfisher
• Tawny Frogmouth
• Pied Currawong
• Wedge-tailed Eagle
• White-bellied Sea Eagle

Smaller bush birds such as Lewin’s Honeyeater, Eastern Yellow Robin, Striated Thornbill and Silvereye are often heard moving through the canopy and understory.

The changing seasons bring different activity, with flowering gums attracting nectar feeders and fruiting rainforest trees drawing in pigeons and parrots.

Mammals of the sanctuary

While they are more elusive than birds, several native mammals live within the sanctuary and surrounding bushland.

These include:

• Ringtail possums
• Sugar gliders
• Swamp wallabies
• Microbats

Tree hollows, dense foliage and connected canopy corridors are essential for these species. Restoration planting over the past decades has helped re-establish the shelter and food sources they require.

Evening visitors may hear the rustle of possums overhead or glimpse a glider moving between trees at dusk.

Reptiles, frogs and insects

Healthy ecosystems depend on more than just birds and mammals. Within the 10km radius, the sanctuary also supports:

• Carpet pythons
• Native skinks and lizards
• Frogs along creek lines
• Butterflies and pollinating insects
• Native bees

Insects play a vital role in pollination and nutrient cycling. In turn, they provide food for birds, reptiles and small mammals. The presence of these smaller species is a strong indicator of ecosystem health.

Habitat layers make the difference

One of the reasons wildlife thrives here is the layered structure of the forest.

• Tall eucalyptus and rainforest canopy provide nesting and roosting sites
• Mid-storey shrubs offer protection and feeding areas
• Ground cover and leaf litter support insects, reptiles and foraging birds
• Creek corridors supply water and shelter

Each layer supports a different group of species. When all layers are present, biodiversity increases significantly.

Restoration and biodiversity

Following logging and farming in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of Buderim Mountain’s original habitat was lost. The ongoing work of volunteers at Foote Sanctuary has focused on removing invasive weeds and replanting indigenous species.

As native plant communities return, wildlife follows.

The steady increase in bird sightings and small mammal activity over the years reflects the success of this long-term conservation effort. Habitat restoration is not instant, but it builds resilience and supports future generations of wildlife.

Experience wildlife respectfully

Visitors are encouraged to explore the sanctuary quietly and respectfully.

Simple actions make a difference:

• Stay on designated tracks
• Keep dogs under control
• Avoid disturbing nesting sites
• Take rubbish home

Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times to observe birdlife. Bring binoculars, walk slowly and listen before you look.

A living sanctuary

Foote Sanctuary is a living memorial, but it is also a living ecosystem.

Every flowering gum, every fruiting rainforest tree and every creek-side planting contributes to the web of life within this 10km radius. The presence of king parrots, frogmouths, gliders and butterflies is not accidental. It is the result of decades of careful stewardship.

Wildlife here is not just something to see. It is something being actively protected.

Learn more

For more information about native animal species across the Sunshine Coast region, visit the Sunshine Coast Council’s native animals resource:

https://www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/environment/native-animals/native-animals-species

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