The Egg Islands
The Egg Islands are a beautiful mosaic of wetland, marsh, scrub and forest communities. This includes significant areas of endangered black gum (Eucalyptus ovata) forest in excellent condition.
Together these ecosystems provide prime habitat for a wide range of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Short-beaked echidnas and pademelons are among the many animals at home here; of particular importance is the presence of the globally endangered Australasian bittern.
The bittern is just one of the birds that finds a home among the forests, wetlands, riverbanks and marshes of the Egg Islands. The area provides foraging or nesting habitat for 87 Australian bird species. The endangered grey goshawk (Accipter novaehollandiae), swift parrot (Lathamus discolor) and wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) have all been officially records in the vicinity.
Bitterns and Bunyips
The cryptic and partly nocturnal Australasian Bittern, with its shy habits, liking for densely vegetated wetland, and talent for camouflage, has a loud booming call, mainly heard at dusk and dawn throughout the breeding season. It is thought by many to be the origin of the Aboriginal legend of the Bunyip,
the spirit creature who lurks in swamps, creeks and waterholes, eating crayfish and making loud terrifying noises at night.
Management
Together with past owners, locals and specialists, the TLC and the Parks and Wildlife Service have developed priorities for ongoing management of the cultural and natural values of the Egg Islands.
With help from our wonderful volunteers, scientific surveys and weed control have already commenced.
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The National Reserve System — Australia's most secure way of protecting native habitat.
The Tasmanian Land Conservancy purchased 136 hectares of private land in 2008, with support from the Australian government’s National Reserve System Programme and the Australian public.