A Lara man has been fined for disturbing the habitat of a critically endangered bird at a Ramsar site.
Birdlife Australia reported that research equipment used to monitor fairy tern breeding had been stolen from Avalon Coastal Reserve, and the bird’s habitat was disturbed during the incident.
The Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police launched an investigation last month into the stolen equipment, which included a monitoring camera and decoy 3D printed fairy terns.
A research camera captured images of the incident, which assisted officers with the investigation and led to the identification of a Lara man.
Acting Chief Conservation Regulator Wayne Robins said the man received an infringement and was fined $790 for disturbing a wildlife habitat under the Wildlife Act 1975.
“It is especially concerning to see the habitat of a critically endangered species being disturbed,” he said.
“Victorian native wildlife and their habitat are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is an offence to disturb wildlife or to damage, disturb or destroy wildlife habitat.”
A BirdLife Australia spokesperson said all the research equipment that had been stolen was successfully returned.
“This research is so important for the endangered fairy tern and it’s vital that we are able to continue this work without disturbance,” they said.
A Ramsar site is a wetland identified to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
If anyone knows someone disturbing wildlife or a wildlife habitat, report it by calling Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
