The Superb Parrot is the most prominently featured animal in the Woodbury Ridge Biodiversity Management Plan. Listed as vulnerable under both the Commonwealth EPBC Act and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act, it is a known breeding resident of the estate, with multiple nesting trees identified and mapped on the property. The BMP imposes strict protections around these trees, including 50-metre construction exclusion zones during the breeding season (September to December), ongoing monitoring by qualified ecologists over a five-year period, and restrictions on pest control methods that could harm the species, such as banning pindone poison baits due to their potential impact on the parrots.

The Golden Sun Moth is a day-flying, diurnal moth with a wingspan of 3–4 cm, listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act and endangered under the NSW BC Act. The estate contains 33.58 hectares of Golden Sun Moth habitat, making its protection a central concern of the BMP. The moth typically emerges in late spring and early summer, flying only on warm, dry days, with males flying low over the grass searching for females. To protect its grassland habitat, the plan requires ground cover to be maintained at or above 70%, limits tree and shrub planting to no more than 10% combined canopy cover at maturity, and specifies that mowing and slashing should not occur when moths are confirmed to be flying.

The European Rabbit is identified in the BMP as a feral pest known, or likely, to occur across the Woodbury Ridge estate. Although its current presence is assessed as low intensity, it is regarded as a threat to native vegetation and fauna. The plan outlines a range of approved control methods including biocontrol via rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (calicivirus), warren destruction, burrow fumigation, trapping, and harbour destruction. Notably, poisoned baiting with 1080 and pindone are deemed unsuitable given the estate's proximity to urban areas and the risk of harm to non-target species including the Superb Parrot.

The Red Fox is identified as a feral pest of low intensity across the estate. As a predator, it poses a threat to native fauna, and the BMP requires thatn three months during the occupation phase. Approved control strategies include den destruction, trapping, and shooting where practicable, though baiting with 1080 is deemed unsuitable due to the estate's peri-urban setting.

The Common Starling is included in the BMP's list of feral pest species. An introduced bird originally from Europe, the Starling competes aggressively with native hollow-nesting species, including the Superb Parrot, for access to tree hollows used for breeding. Given that the loss of suitable nesting hollows is already a significant threat to the Superb Parrot at Woodbury Ridge, the presence of Starlings adds further pressure on an already limited resource. Their control is subject to the same integrated pest management framework as other feral species.

The Common Myna, another introduced species, is also listed as a feral pest in the BMP. Like the Starling, it is an aggressive competitor for tree hollows, posing a direct threat to hollow-dependent native species such as the Superb Parrot. The Common Myna is widely regarded as one of the most damaging invasive birds in Australia. Its management at Woodbury Ridge falls under the general feral pest control framework, with landowners required to act if signs of infestation are detected during site inspections.

The European Honeybee receives a somewhat different treatment in the BMP compared to the other pest species above. Rather than being targeted for eradication, honeybee hives are permitted on the estate under specific conditions — they must be kept by residents only within the approved building envelope or Effluent Management Zone, and must not be allowed to range freely into the native vegetation areas. This reflects the dual nature of honeybees as both a managed agricultural species and a potential threat to native flora and fauna through competition with native pollinators and hollow-nesting insects.

The dominant large mammal on the tablelands. Mobs of 10–40 are a regular sight on lawns and paddocks at dawn and dusk. They're gentle at a distance but not tame — a large male can top 80 kg and will defend himself if cornered. Never feed them: it erodes their fear of vehicles and disrupts their gut bacteria. If you see a single roo near a road, slow right down — the mob will be close behind.

Wombats are ecological engineers — their deep burrows shelter dozens of other species. They love short grass, and your lawn is exactly what they're after. If one digs under your fence, lay heavy-gauge mesh flat on the ground to discourage it; never block an active burrow entrance. Watch for sarcoptic mange: crusty or hairless skin and daytime wandering are the warning signs. Report sightings immediately — early treatment saves lives.

That thumping on your roof at night? A Brushtail Possum. Fully protected under NSW law — you can't trap and relocate them without a permit, and a translocated possum outside its home range usually dies within weeks. If one is in your roof, install a nest box in a nearby tree and seal the entry point during the day after it leaves to forage. Never seal it while the animal is still inside.

One of Australia's most ancient mammals and completely harmless to people and gardens. If you startle one, back off and let it move on in its own time — never put them in water. Little conical diggings in your lawn mean an echidna visited overnight. They're especially road-vulnerable in late winter during mating season.

Magpies only swoop during nesting season (roughly August to November) and only a minority of males do it at all. The same birds tend to swoop year after year, protecting a specific patch near the nest. A wide-brim hat, sunglasses, or a helmet with cable ties sticking up all help. Don't throw things or disturb nests — it's illegal under the Biodiversity Conservation Act and makes them more aggressive. Swooping stops completely once the chicks fledge.

Swooping Season: August – November

An apex garden predator that eats lizards, snakes, large insects and mice — and will absolutely steal a sausage off the barbecue. Don't feed kookaburras raw meat; it causes metabolic bone disease. Let them hunt for themselves and enjoy the extraordinary calls.

With a wingspan over two metres, Wedge-tails are a commanding presence soaring on thermals above the tablelands. They're protected under Commonwealth law. Cover your poultry runs if you keep small birds. Also keep watch for Eastern and Crimson Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets, Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, Sacred Kingfishers, Black-shouldered Kites, and the nocturnal Southern Boobook — the "boo-book" call from the ironbarks after dark.

Eastern Blue-tongues are your garden's best pest controllers — harmless, slow-moving and voracious consumers of snails, slugs and caterpillars. Their hissing and blue tongue is pure bluff. The main threat is dogs; even a brief bite can cause fatal internal injuries. Lace Monitors (goannas) can reach nearly two metres; they won't bother you if you don't corner them, but secure your chicken coop well.

Creek lines around Sutton support Striped Marsh Frogs, Eastern Common Froglets and Peron's Tree Frog. Avoid pesticides near water, don't introduce fish to garden ponds (they eat tadpoles), and wash boots before moving between water bodies to avoid spreading the deadly chytrid fungus.

Most common, grassland and farm buildings; responsible for most Australian snake bite deaths; fast and defensive when provoked. This is one of the most common and highly venomous snakes in Australia. They can vary in colour from pale brown to dark brown, and juveniles may have black bands or head markings. They are often found in grasslands, woodlands, and even suburban gardens.  

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Seen occasionally, near water; venomous but rarely fatal. A distinctive snake with a glossy black back and a vibrant red or pink belly. While venomous, they are generally considered less aggressive and tend to retreat if disturbed. They prefer habitats near water sources like creeks and swamps. 

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Near water; active even on cool days. Found in cooler, higher-altitude areas, including parts of the Southern Tablelands within the Yass Valley region. They are typically brown or black with a copper-coloured head and are venomous.

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