Monitoring IUCN and Other Conservation Species

The Environmental Sustainability Policy in force during 2025 committed the University to protect and conserve the biodiversity of native flora and fauna on its campuses and to protect and conserve the wetlands and aquatic ecosystems on which it operates.

The Environmental Sustainability Policy took effect on 8 December 2022 and remained in place during 2025. The policy is formally associated with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, alongside relevant NSW environmental legislation.

Identifying species of conservation concern

The Callaghan Landscape Management Implementation Plan is based on a comprehensive ecological assessment of the campus. It recorded:

• 188 native flora species, 116 bird species, 14 native mammal species, 11 frog species and 18 reptile species.
• Four threatened fauna species: the Little Lorikeet, Little Eagle, Varied Sittella and Grey-headed Flying-fox.
• A further 13 threatened species may occur because suitable habitat is present.
• Up to 25 migratory bird species may also occur on campus because of Callaghan's proximity to the nationally significant Hunter Estuary wetlands.

Conservation status of species found on campus

The Grey-headed Flying-fox, which has been recorded at Callaghan, is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is also listed as vulnerable under Australian and NSW threatened-species legislation. Other species recorded on campus, including the Little Eagle and Varied Sittella, are listed as vulnerable in New South Wales.

Managing habitat for threatened species

The Callaghan plan sets out management actions to maintain ecological integrity across bushland and wetland zones. These include habitat enhancement, bush regeneration, weed control, maintaining connectivity between habitat areas, monitoring ecological condition and limiting development in sensitive areas.

Assessing impacts of tree removal and development

The University's Tree Management Procedure for Callaghan Campus requires impact assessment and compensatory works when tree pruning or removal is proposed. Where development may have a significant impact on threatened species, ecological communities or their habitat, relevant State and Commonwealth environmental legislation applies.

The Tree Management Procedure specifically recognises threatened fauna recorded at Callaghan and requires trees to be retained and incorporated into building design wherever possible.

Ongoing biodiversity management

The University's biodiversity and landscaping program actively manages remnant bushland, forest and wetland areas to restore, improve and maintain habitat. Public campus biodiversity information identifies threatened and migratory species including the Powerful Owl, Little Lorikeet, Little Eagle, Varied Sittella and Grey-headed Flying-fox.