A little eagle in the spotlight. Photo: Dan Pendavingh.
The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has designated 2026 as the Year of the Raptor.
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The Goulburn Broken CMA’s 2026 Year of the Raptor follows years of the Tree Hollow, the Wing, the Frog and the Paddock Tree.
Goulburn Broken CMA chief executive Carl Walters said the Year of the Raptor would showcase some of the amazing raptors of the Goulburn Broken catchment and the habitat they need to survive.
“Many of our catchment’s birds of prey — otherwise known as raptors — are ecological heroes and their significance is easily overlooked,” he said.
‘’They provide an important service to the environment by hunting pests such as mice, rabbits, hares and rats — especially in cropping regions.
“As they feed on carrion (the remains of dead animals), they perform an effective ‘clean-up’ service.”
A little eagle cleaning up. Photo: Russell Jones.
Mr Walters said 25 of Australia’s 36 mainland raptors lived in or visited the Goulburn Broken catchment.
“As part of a community awareness campaign, a different raptor will be highlighted each month and its unique habits — and habitat needs — will be showcased,” he said.
“Raptors are a fascinating cohort of birdlife and vital apex predators.
“Our Goulburn Broken catchment skies would not be the same without the sight of a soaring eagle or darting falcon.”
He said the Goulburn Broken CMA’s ‘Year of’ campaigns were popular and valuable teaching tools.
“Each of these topics increased community awareness for our catchment’s natural environment, and we hope the Year of the Raptor will generate the same level of interest and lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the many species that live in our catchment,” Mr Walters said.
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