Chuditch Sighting in Glen Forrest, Perth Hills

Several items have appeared in the local Echo newspaper and the Facebook page of the South West Wildlife Learning and Discovery Network about this sighting and the implications of land use that may cutoff the nature link between the Glen Forrest Superblock and the Helena Valley. The following information comes from South West Wildlife Learning and Discovery Network founding member Francesca Flynn.


Some exciting news: Chuditch have been recorded in Glen Forrest!  The sad news – the Lots they were found on may be sold for development!

The Lots that the Chuditch were recorded on were adjacent Holbrook Road and Jellicoe Road in Glen Forrest. Several images of Chuditch were recorded on the Lots between February and May 2021 although it is impossible to say how many individuals. Both Lots comprise undeveloped bushland owned by the State Government and were previously used or earmarked for use by Water Corporation. The State (WAPC) no longer needs the land and is proposing to sell it to a private developer for residential housing. The Lots where the Chuditch were recorded are so important because they are amongst the only remaining local ground access corridor for native fauna between the Glen Forrest Superblock, a known biodiversity hotspot, and the Helena Valley to the immediate south. 

The Shire of Mundaring Council has twice attempted to convince the State to allow the land to stay as undeveloped bush through a Management Order to be vested in the Shire, particularly as local residents have vowed to care for the land through a Friends Group. The State did offer to sell the land to Shire of Mundaring at market value, which obviously is financially impossible. 

We are currently awaiting a decision from the State Government and really hope that the State will choose to allow the land to remain as an important wildlife corridor to give the Chuditch a fighting chance for survival.

The local scientist/geologist who captured the footage, Tim Blake, has prepared a comprehensive report to present to WAPC in the hope of aiding their decision making. He intends to present that report in early September. 

Chuditch are a threatened species under State and Commonwealth legislation, classified as ‘likely to become extinct’ in the wild and specially protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950.  Chuditch sightings in the Perth Hills are rare. The State Government DBCA NatureMap shows only one Chuditch record between the John Forrest National Park and the Helena River. However, anecdotal evidence from Facebook suggests that people have encountered Chuditch in other Mundaring suburbs including Parkerville and Mount Helena. 

If anyone would like further information, please contact francesca@evergreenconsultancy.com.au.