THE Shire of Chittering is investigating an incident of environmental vandalism at perennial freshwater stream Yalyal Brook.

The reported damage includes the destruction of Carter’s freshwater mussels, illegal littering and dumping of rubbish, and trees being stripped of their bark.

Carter’s freshwater mussels are listed as vulnerable under state and federal legislation.

A report by the Chittering Landcare Centre, presented to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, said that “Yalyal Brook is ideal habitat for Carter’s mussels, with large, healthy animals persisting in good numbers.”

Harming or removing the mussels could result in penalties under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.

Yalyal Brook is also home to the native water rat or Rakali, which is under the state’s priority fauna list and considered a species at risk in need of monitoring.

Native water rats depend on summer water flows, woody debris and intact riverine habitat to thrive.

Chittering Landcare Centre executive officer Rosanna Hindmarsh said that as development expands throughout the north east corridor there seems to be increasing damage to the natural environment.

“Lighting of fires, destruction of the vegetation along the banks increasing movement of sediment, stripping bark from the trees and removing aquatic animals from the waterway is disappointing to see,” Ms Hindmarsh said.

“Yalyal Brook is important as it is one of the very few freshwater perennial brooks between Muchea and Gingin that flow directly into the Ellen Brook. These waterways and the riparian vegetation along the banks associated with them provide a home for unique aquatic fauna and other animals.

“Not only is it habitat for koonacs, gilgies and marron but also the rare Carter’s freshwater mussel found in south-west Australia and nowhere else in the world. They are an important part of freshwater ecosystems as filter feeders that maintain the waterquality in the brook.”

Ms Hindmarsh believes more awareness is needed in the community.

“Providing information to the public is an important step in the protection of these freshwater brooks and survival of this rare fauna. The old saying of take only photos and leave no rubbish behind still applies in our natural areas,” she said.

A Shire of Chittering spokesperson said that they are currently investigating the incident.

“Our natural environment belongs to the whole community and acts of vandalism like this have lasting impacts on local wildlife and ecosystems,” they said.

“Together, we can help protect our unique environment for future generations.”

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the shire at chatter@chittering.wa.gov.au