Gunbower Forest’s 19,450 hectares, (designated under the Ramsar Convention on December 15 1982), has over 170 species of birds, 24 reptile species, a variety of fish and about 200 plant species. The forest regularly “supports more than 20,000 waterfowl” and is of “special value for maintaining he genetic and ecological diversity of the flora and fauna”.

Threatened fauna within the wetlands include rare species such as the Broad-shelled Tortoise, Barking March Frog, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Tree Goanna, and Carpet Python.
Plant species on the Gunbower Island such as the Winged Peppercress, Buloke Mistletoe and Hooked Needlewood have become rare because of human activities since white settlement.

Birds are a good indicator of biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem. Local bird enthusiasts have been involved in the Ramsar bird counts. Norma Sheridan is involved in the Bird Observers Club of Australia, which has contributed local data to the Birds Australia Atlas. Taken over four years the count has involved 10,000 Australia wide observers using GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology. In the Cohuna area 161 different bird species were counted.

For more interesting information and photos of the Gunbower Forest and it’s history, visit the Cohuna Historical Society (behind the Post Office)