Wildlife poaching in Darebin Parklands

Published on 16 March 2026

We need your help!

Darebin Parklands has been targeted by what we suspect are wildlife poachers who have come into the parklands on weekends when park rangers are not on-site. They have removed or broken open nest boxes and have potentially stolen the wildlife that were sheltering in them.

There are nest boxes across Darebin Parklands and in other parks and reserves throughout Banyule. They are generally located high up in trees, so the poachers may have ladders and other equipment with them.

Stealing wildlife is a crime. If you have seen anyone on a weekend in Darebin Parklands handling or inspecting nest boxes or acting suspiciously, please report it.

Nest box programs are an important part of our urban wildlife conservation efforts. Nest boxes are regularly monitored by park rangers, with the help of friends-of groups, so we know they are well used by many animals, providing refuge and sites for breeding.

Illegal wildlife trade causes serious harm to animals and ecosystems. Many animals die during capture or transport. The removal of eggs or young can quickly reduce local populations, particularly among slowbreeding species.

These activities also reduce genetic diversity, increase biosecurity risks and can undo years of conservation work, including nest-box programs like ours.

How you can help

If you have seen something suspicious in Darebin Parklands, please report it to Crime Stoppers or call 1800 333 000.