UA31301 Impact of Giving A4 Book FINAL - Flipbook - Page 10
Impact of Giving
The Southern Emu-wren is one of the native birds facing extinction in the Mount Lofty region
Bob Croser Woodland
Recovery Project
The Bob Croser Woodland Recovery
Project has been made possible by a
generous bequest from the late Robert
Dean Croser of over $1.1 million. A retired
taxi driver and esteemed member of the
Hughes Society, Bob was affectionately
known as “the best cabbie in Adelaide”.
His commitment to environmental
conservation is now creating a lasting
impact through this project.
The Bob Croser Woodland Recovery
Project, funded by Bob’s bequest, is
dedicated to restoring and enhancing
woodland ecosystems in South Australia’s
Mt Lofty Region, with a particular focus on
maximizing recovery of bird populations.
With only 11% of high-quality vegetation
remaining in the Mt Lofty region, which
is one of only 15 national biodiversity
hotspots, many bird species are in
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serious decline. There are 147 threatened
bird species in the region, with 52 at
immediate risk of extinction and another
113 declining rapidly. These trends are
expected to continue unless dramatic
habitat restoration is undertaken.
“A donation of this scale will
make a massive difference to the
research we are able to do to help
reverse the biodiversity decline in
this national biodiversity hotspot
on our doorstep,” says Professor
Andy Lowe, Director of the
Environment Institute.
The project will involve a large-scale
analysis to identify optimal locations
and planting designs to support bird
populations, ensuring that their new
habitats are sustainable and conducive
to biodiversity. It will also establish a
monitoring program to track the status
of bird populations in the region.
“Being able to understand the historical
decline of bird populations in relation
to habitat clearance, which bird
species have been most impacted,
and the identification of habitat
requirements for these species, will
allow us to guide planting of new habitat
and monitor the recovery of these
critical but endangered species and
ecosystems,” said Professor Lowe.
The Bob Croser Woodland Recovery
Project stands as a testament to
Bob’s dedication to environmental
stewardship, supporting the preservation
and recovery of vital Australian
ecosystems for future generations.
