Helmeted Honeyeater
Photo: Bronwyn McCulloch.
Photo: Trent Browning.
The Helmeted Honeyeater, Lichenostomus melanops cassidix, is Critically Endangered. There are currently three small semi-wild populations established in remnant streamside swamp forest to the east of Melbourne.
Zoos Victoria has been involved in the captive breeding of Helmeted Honeyeaters since the Recovery Program began in 1989. This commitment continues today.
The Helmeted Honeyeater Recovery Program focuses on increasing the number of Helmeted Honeyeaters in the wild and reducing potential threats, with the aim of establishing a stable wild population with at least ten distinct but inter-connected colonies.
Zoos Victoria's key roles in the recovery of the Helmeted Honeyeater are to:
- Supplement wild populations through captive breeding for reintroduction
- Maintain an insurance population in captivity
Zoos Victoria staff are also involved in the translocation and reintroduction of captive-bred birds to the wild and monitoring their survival after release.
Plans and publications
- Helmeted Honeyeaters can be identified by their distinctive yellow tufts on either side of their heads.
You can help Fight
Extinction
Together we can improve animal care, reduce threatening processes and save endangered species.
Adopt
The beautiful but critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater is Victoria’s only indigenous bird and our state emblem. You can help us fight extinction by adopting the Helmeted Honeyeater.
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Spread the word about the Helmeted Honeyeater and how supporting Zoos Victoria can help save them from extinction.
Visit these animals at...
- Werribee Open Range Zoo
- Melbourne Zoo
- Healesville Sanctuary