Did you know that Australia is the only country in the world that has certain species of Wobbegong?
The Banded, Ornate, and Spotted Wobbegongs are three of these and they are found on our Northern Beaches. If you have a keen eye, you may just find them nestled in amongst the seaweed or the rocky crevices under the waters of Cabbage Tree Bay, Manly.
While Wobbegongs are not generally considered to be dangerous to humans, these captivating animals really need to be given space and treated with respect. Their name is believed to come from Aboriginal Language meaning ‘shaggy beard’.
This distinctive, shaggy beard helps draw in curious fish, with these species of carpet shark employing a ‘sit and wait’ ambush predatory style until the fish is just close enough before it opens its jaws, creating a ‘vacuum’ to suck in the fish. Marine ecologist Sian Liddy points out that Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve is an essential sheltered habitat for this shark along with the rest of this precious reserve’s marine biodiversity.
Find out more about Wobbegongs from Ms Liddy in our video.
Want to find out how you too can help protect the magnificent Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve?
We are currently seeking volunteers who can assist with activities such as:
educating visitors about the biodiversity and value of Cabbage Tree Bay Aquatic Reserve and the importance of preserving and protecting its biodiversityincreasing public awareness of conservation issues within the reserveproviding visitor information services which encourages appreciation of the reserve’s values.For more information on the position description and how you can submit an online enquiry.