ABOUT THE SPECIES
The Helmeted Honeyeater is a beautiful bird – curious and highly social, it lives in swampy and streamside vegetation. Prior to European settlement, the species occupied suitable swamps and streams in southern Victoria, from Healesville in the north to Westernport Bay in the south. Following European settlement, the majority of the Helmeted Honeyeater’s natural habitat was cleared: the shrub layer in which they nest was largely removed, many canopy trees in which they forage were cleared, and swamps were drained for agriculture. The species contracted to just one population of around 50 birds at Yellingbo, Victoria, and is considered Critically Endangered.
ABOUT THE ORGANISATION
For over thirty years, the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater have worked tirelessly to save the Helmeted Honeyeater and its ecosystems from extinction. With support from tens of thousands of volunteers, we have restored habitat; revegetated agricultural land; monitored the health and dynamics of wild Helmeted Honeyeaters; provided free education to visitors, schools and community to help increase awareness; supported the Captive Breeding Programme; and collaborated with many stakeholders to achieve great improvements for the species and its habitat. Now, there are over 230 Helmeted Honeyeaters in the wild and we are looking for opportunities to extend their current range.
You can vote for the Helmeted honeyeater at The ANiMOZ Aussie Wildlife Vote 2020 right here!