Top 4 reasons you should care about the Regent Honeyeater

When planning for a major development project, biodiversity impact assessments are a critical step towards a successful application. They help identify potential threats and ensure the right course of action is taken to protect our native species.

However, these assessments often extend over several seasons which can lead to project delays and frustrated stakeholders. For a species like the Regent Honeyeater, this time is critical to understand their complex relationship with their habitat.

Our Environmental Consultant Holly Hanley outlines the top four reasons we should care about the Regent Honeyeater and why biodiversity assessments are essential for securing their future.

1. Critically endangered status

The Regent Honeyeater has been classified as critically endangered, with approximately 300 known individuals remaining. Once spanning across multiple states, now just in NSW, protecting the habitat of these remaining individuals is critical.

2. Ecological indicators

The Regent Honeyeater is highly sensitive to changes in its habitat. Changes in their behaviour and a decline in population are early warning signs there are issues in their environment. Monitoring these changes allows for correct mitigation efforts to be instilled.

3. Unique vocal culture

Unlike most songbirds, Regent Honeyeaters don’t learn their song from their fathers. In fact, they rely entirely on other Regent Honeyeaters to teach them. This unique cultural trait makes them particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their social structure. With such a small population, many young birds are forced to learn their songs from other species, causing their native song to fade from nature.

4. Lead pollinators

Pollination is important for maintaining plant diversity and ecosystem health. As nectar eaters, Regent Honeyeaters help support reproduction of native plant species through pollen dispersal. This is a mutually beneficial relationship.

At Onward, we recommend conducting comprehensive biodiversity assessments early in the planning process to protect species like the Regent Honeyeater and their habitats.

For help on your biodiversity assessment or environmental consultancy needs, get in touch with us at admin@onward.au