Victorians acting for nature

Significant achievements in acting for nature

• Victorians have achieved the annual target of 5 million people acting for nature.
• 173,629 volunteers across 1,998 groups donated 1.4 million hours for nature in 2021–22.
• Nature volunteers contributed $63 million in value to Victoria’s economy in 2021–22.
• Citizen scientists play a key role in our work to protect and manage Victoria’s land, waterways, vegetation and wildlife.
• Experts have identified 5 priority action areas that provide easy ways for all Victorians to take action and have the greatest outcomes for biodiversity.

Local heroes helping Hooded Plovers at the beach

Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis

FFG Listing: Vulnerable

Hooded Plovers are petite, beautifully coloured shorebirds and can be spotted foraging in the sand between wave sets, feeding on invertebrates.

Unfortunately, coastal development, weeds and introduced predators like foxes are impacting their homes. Disturbance from people, dogs and horses also pose a risk to eggs and hatchlings during nesting season. Off-leash dogs disturbing or attacking birds are a major threat to the species.

Since 2006, dedicated volunteers across Victoria have helped protect and monitor Hooded Plovers through BirdLife Australia’s Beach-nesting Birds Program.

Volunteers put up signage and protective fencing to look after nesting sites, and also educate the broader community about how to enjoy their local beach without disturbing nests and hatchlings.

Alongside landscape-scale programs to control foxes and weeds, these volunteer ‘Plover lovers’ are helping to significantly improve the outlook for this species. In the 2021-22 breeding season in Victoria, 66 hooded plover chicks fledged.

How can you help?

• Look for and follow the instructions on beach signage during Hooded Plover nesting season (August to March)
• Join your local Hooded Plover volunteer group