Australian
WILDLIFE NEWS australian wildlife news
A MONTHLY PUBLICATION
ISSUE 8 NOV 2012
Saved from the market. Returned to the Ocean.
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Ramblings from the Editor.... Welcome to issue 8 of AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE NEWS. This month we are covering heaps of topics again including CANE TOADS. I’ve been in contact with Prof. Rick Shine of the University of Sydney Biological Studies Dept. He has recently made an incredible break-though with cane toad control/eradication and all the signs are looking really promising. More from Prof. Rick later.
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tracked’ and surely now there’s no need for the mass killing of flying foxes Mr Newman? One of my other step-children is with the Australian Defence Force, he is currently working overseas. He has, and always has had, an amazing affinity with wildlife.
I received a text message from him yesterday, not unusual of course. He told me how he’d been into town to the market and was shocked to see live Green turtles, lying on their backs, being sold for meat. He paid $20 for one small one and took it back to the ocean where he released it, but he had to leave behind four much bigger ones. I am very proud of him for doing this and it made me think of how officers working for We now have our very own website! This is TRAFFIC and other protection agencies must feel when they can only incredibly exciting, we can now reach a far report on a situation and can’t just bundle up everything that’s being traded illegally or being treated badly. bigger audience. You can also find us on FACEBOOK too at AUSTRALIA Of course, the people on this island are not illegally trading the turtles, WILDLIFE NEWS (no N on Australia - but over-harvesting on many of the Pacific Islands has got out of hand I made a typo!). Please direct your friends as demand rises and ALL sea turtles are ENDANGERED. to our website Nevertheless, I would have done the same as my son. Save one, save www.australianwildlifenews.com the species. My thanks go to Alex Harris at Digital Publishing Australia for all her hard work getting the website designed and operational. Secondly, I would like to thank my step-son, Kieron Hunt, for designing our new logo - it’s fantastic and is featured above this column. We are now ‘branded’ and I couldn’t be more excited.
A special congratulations to vet nurse Jen at Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital - her article on the Great Green Macaws, published in full in the Parrot Breeders magazine, is really excellent. The photographs are stunning and the 7 page piece is really well written. Well done Jen hope you get to write some more feature articles for them! Until next issue, Claire Smith, Editor
This month we also look at the work of KOALA TRACKER and how we can all get involved. This months’ feature article is of course the day I spent with BOB IRWIN - what a day that was and one I will never forget. I hope you enjoy the article as much as I enjoyed writing it. As promised...there’s lots of batty stuff in this issue. With the release of the new vaccine protecting horses against Hendra virus will Campbell Newman back down on his ‘kill the bats’ campaign? It’s fantastic this vaccine has been ‘fast
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The boy from Victoria who became the champion of animals. Everyone, at sometime in their life, will need someone to fight their corner for them. And never was it more true for our native wildlife too.
wildlife and habitat - what a great ambassador!
currently include, The Southern Hairy Nosed Wombats, Cassowarys and Dugongs. He has, what seems like, endless energy. I asked him how long he thought he would keep up the work he’s doing - his reply was ‘until I die...then I’m going to come back and make sure everyone’s doing their jobs properly!’..we all laugh and he carries on to tell us he’s going to be a real nuisance spirit so watch out!
The young Bob Irwin grew up in Victoria and from an early age he Bob Irwin is a champion of animals - was allowed to go off and wander animals who don’t have a voice through the bush, as boys did when it comes to issues relating to having adventures, making tree human and animal co-existence. houses and swings - well most boys....young Bob would spend his He is also a realist when it comes to time catching and bringing home conservation and believes covenomous snakes! And he was only operation is far better than knee high to a grasshopper! His poor He will continue to speak up and confrontation . mother! speak out on behalf of all our wildlife because he knows he can’t not do it I met Bob and Judy Irwin last month For Bob, the fascination with it’s just how it is and there are more in between Bob’s busy schedules. It crocodiles came from the knowledge conservation challenges ahead. was a real honour to be asked to their that these apex predators are the home and a pleasure to meet both of closest of all creatures to dinosaurs. Bob has, what can only be described them. Here I am, a complete stranger The least changed over millions of as, a special affinity with wildlife and that writes a small time publication years. How could such creatures habitat. When you walk with him in being greeted by two people like survive? the bush it is evident he is part of the they’ve known me all my life! bush, it’s where he belongs. As Why are we so terrified of them? strange as it may sound it’s like the To be honest, the reason for my bush is talking to him, trusts him and interview was I wanted to get to This love of the greatest of all understands him. know Bob - what makes him tick, reptiles forged a lifelong desire to what continues to drive him on and understand them, study them and on and where did his passion for bring about greater respect and wildlife come from. understanding from the world at large. We know more about As a conservationist, he’s right up crocodiles today because of Bob and there in my book with all the greats Steve’s work and because of Bob’s but he’s also the most down to earth, passion and Steve’s vision we have regular, true blue bloke you could fantastic research still being ever wish to meet and on meeting continued today. him I liked him enormously from the word go. There’s not many ‘profile’ So, there we are, chatting away about people you can sit down and have a snakes and crocodiles and I have cuppa and a slice of cake with and quite forgotten that Bob doesn’t feel totally at home with - Bob is one know me from a bar of soap...I’d got of those exceptions and I really like myself very comfortable, I was full the fact that he’s an ordinary man of cake and tea and enjoying doing extraordinary things and he’s listening and all was good in my Claire Smith not trying to be anything other than world....and Bob was my new mate! himself and his total focus is the Bob is incredibly pro-active with preservation and conservation of Bob is indeed a very special man. many organisations all over Australia , areas of special interest WILDLIFE NEWS
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CONSERVATION IN ACTION After our morning tea we got in the truck and went off for a drive around Bob’s property, I was really keen to see how he had created his swamp areas. These dam areas were excavated out and allowed to fill naturally with rain water. All the grasses came from seeds Bob collected and scattered on the water. The water then pushes the seeds to the bank and there they germinate...what could be easier? The top photograph shows Bob with a dam he created three years ago and the picture below that is of a two year old dam. It shows just how quickly plant life becomes established.
Claire Smith
The dams bring the frogs, the frogs bring along the next up in the food chain - snakes, birds etc. The water holes provide drinking areas for wallabies, kangaroos and other wildlife. The grasses bring other birds and insects... So, one of the keys to wildlife conservation is - WATER. Bob and I talked about how these type of waterholes or dams can easily be created by anyone on a large property and the amazing benefits they have for wildlife. But you don’t need hundreds of acres to create a viable eco system. Creating a backyard pond has the same results, just on a smaller scale and is no less important.
Claire Smith
The bottom two photographs show one of my backyard ponds which I put in 18 months ago. At night it is alive with frogs, especially after rain. It’s used by local wildlife as a water hole and I’ve even had pacific dusks swimming on it. This one is concrete but my other ponds have been made from plastic pond liner which works really well too. I cannot emphasis enough how valuable creating a water source can be. Not only will you be providing one of the key elements in wildlife conservation but you will bring wildlife to your yard or acreage where you will be able to enjoy the comings and goings of everything that visits. Bob’s property is 640 acres and is surrounded by National Park and State Forest. The next leg of our drive was to take a look at food sources and we headed off to check out the Gum hi-way! Spending time with Bob in the bush is a privilege. Everywhere you go there’s something new to look at, something that you’ve probably overlooked every other time you’ve been out walking...not with Bob; the bush comes alive! From the tiniest marks left by sugar gliders to the story of ancient gums, nothing is insignificant, everything is important. To be honest, I could have stayed out there all day, listening and learning. I’ve never seen the bush so clearly.
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Claire Smith
Claire Smith
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Claire Smith
Bob talking to us about a gnarly old eucalyptus - what stories that tree could tell! When you have Bob as your guide, big boys do the hard work and then and teacher, the significance of a step in and have a good feed on the single thing becomes very important. sap- a very nice relationship. Blimey, The Grey Gum. This particular gum nature has this whole thing worked out well! tree Bob described as a hi-way because of the amazing amount of activity it sees from different wildlife. It was magic to start to understand the story of this tree by the bites and scratches left on it from all it’s visitors. Tiny scratches where sugar and squirrel gliders launch themselves on this formidable trunk from another tree. Deeper marks made by Greater Gliders interestingly, the Greater Gliders give the smaller gliders a leg up when it comes to accessing the sap from the tree. The bigger gliders can get through the trunk more readily than the sugars, so the sugars let the WILDLIFE NEWS
We saw koala scratch marks and goanna marks too - who ever knew that so many species could rely on one tree! A day with Bob is an amazing education. Check out this spotting platform. It must be 30 feet high and is built around an existing tree. From here Bob can watch the gliders go about their night time activities. The view from the top is great - you can see hollows really clearly at eye level. Bob has Sugar, Squirrel, YellowBellied and Greater Gliders living in these trees - wish I’d taken my swag!
— Quisque Massa
Claire Smith
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2012 - The next step forward.
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education, direct support of front-line wildlife rescuers, and advocacy on behalf of wildlife and protection of the environment.
I would very much like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Bob and Judy for making me so welcome. Thank you to Bob for giving up a huge part of your day and for sharing We need your financial support to do your knowledge, passion and what we do. experience with me.
This year Bob launched the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation Inc. This will ensure that the work will continue on long after Bob is no longer at the helm. Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation Inc is a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to community
I will now look at the bush with new If you would like to help Bob and his eyes and listen to the animals with team visit the website at: new ears. www.bobirwinwildlife.com Claire Smith, Editor
Heather McMurray
Claire with Bob at Camp Chilli
STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRESS...STOP PRE
www.australianwildlifenews.com PASS THE WORD AROUND
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THE NIGHT OF THE FROGS! There’s nothing I like better than to go ‘FROGGING’. You may be forgiven for thinking this may be a new passtime carried out by consenting couples and their ‘friends’ with too much time on their hands...but no, this is far more interesting....spot-lighting for our gorgeous little amphibious friends. Having a pond in your garden is a sure fire way of bringing these croaking little marvels of nature to your doorstep. These little blokes, pictured to the right, are only about an inch long yet they can produce that enormous chirrup that we are all so used to hearing, but some of us never see who’s doing it!
Claire Smith
I took these pictures at 10pm and the garden was absolutely alive! Everywhere I looked I could find a little frog. These are Southern Sedge frogs. They make their homes near water and as you can see in these pictures, they like to hang out on reeds and other foliage. They come in all shades of green and brown and as with other frogs only the male calls. However, it is known that both males and females do make distress calls, usually when it’s too late. There are many other species you can expect to have as residents including the Marsh Frog and the Tusk Frog, both of whom spend most of their time in the water and lay their eggs in foam on the surface.
Claire Smith
The world of frogs is HUGE! What about the POBBLEBONK! Now if you tell your friends your are going FROGGING for POBBLEBONKS you can bet your bottom dollar they won’t have a clue what you are talking about!
Claire Smith
Royalty free picture.
He’s also known at the Banjo Frog because of the curious call he makes which does sound a bit like a banjo being WILDLIFE NEWS
Claire Smith Photography
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THE NIGHT OF THE FROGS!
Royalty free picture.
Royalty free picture.
Royalty free picture.
plucked. This little bloke is the Eastern Pobblebonk, there are also Southern, Western and Red Sided Pobblebonks...I told you the world of frogs was big... isn’t it just the best name? These are burrowing frogs and can be seen and heard especially after rain..so if you hear a rapid bonk bonk bonk whilst sheltering under your brolly...that’s who it is. I could ramble on for another 10 pages about Tree frogs, Laughing frogs, Rocket frogs and more, but that would just get too froggy. If you ever get the urge to go frog spotting I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed. HAPPY FROGGING! Ed
Claire Smith Photography
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Royalty Free Picture
Two years ago, it was found that toad tadpoles are attracted to their own kind - and like to lunch on them! Professor Shine’s theory is that the toad tadpoles probably The cane toad has been incredibly successful not only kill off the eggs in order to reduce the competition for in it’s adaptation to our diverse country but also in it’s food...they just can’t resist them.... ability to change ecologically. And how were the tadpoles locating the eggs? Through Over the years we have even had to change its’ the toxin. Bingo! scientific name due to the fact that more and more is This was a major turning point in the scientific research being revealed about this unwitting menace. and it was now realised that the toxin from the toad could be used in the control of the invader itself. Hurrah for The toad was original named Bufo marinus. Then some highly qualified scientists working in molecular science! The scientists used funnel traps laced with the new toxin science suggested the latin name be changed to bait and then captured thousands of tadpoles. The tadpoles Chaunus marinus (DNA study) because it better went absolutely crazy over the bait and within five days described what was understood about the toad...but every tadpole was eradicated - these tests were carried out then, low and behold another group of molecular scientists changed the name again to Rhinella marina. in 50m billabongs. These results are astounding, however, when asked about them Prof. Shine is quoted as saying, Which just goes to show how much we have learned about this species and it’s evolutionary relationship in "It is only local and isn't going to eradicate cane toads from Australia,". ecological terms. Cane toads have evolved so fast in "There are huge areas where it is just impossible to put Australia that understanding them is the key to controlling them. Enter Professor Rick Shine from the traps in every water body." But he did go on to say that in areas of high conservation University of Sydney. this revolutionary new technique could certainly go a very As we know, the cane toad was introduced to control long way in controlling toad populations. cane beetle, which of course it is designed to do very I am looking forward to publishing more from Professor well - in its’ country of origin! This where the problem Shine. began...but If you would like to know more about the cane toad visit scientists are now saying that they have found a front www.canetoadsinoz.com which is a non ‘scientific’ site line method to control the toads - by using the toads created by Rick Shine. If you are interested in the science own toxins against them... check out www.sydney.edu.au Rick Shine from the University of Sydney's school of I would like to thank Rick for having so much patience biological sciences and his Team Bufo, have already with all my e mails and making time for me during his been catching large quantities of toad tadpoles and busy schedule. using this new method have had remarkable results. Ed Professor Shine was quoted as saying "In order to control toads you need to stop them breeding, and this new method stops them from breeding," .
THE INVASION OF THE CANE TOAD One of man’s less intelligent ideas
http://sydney.edu.au/science/biology/shine/canetoad_research/scientific-publications-ecologicaland-evolutionary-impact-of-canetoads.shtml
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Please, don’t turn your back on their plight.....
Claire Smith Photography
It is imperative that education and conservation efforts continue to be implemented to protect koalas in the wild and ensure their survival. Jack Hanna
www.koalatracker.com.au If you do nothing else before the end of this year, please click on the link above and join, support and spread the word about koala tracker.
3 What condition are they in?
The entire project has been set up by Alex Harris who has dedicated her time and personal finances to this This website used to be called koala one of a kind data collecting system diaries which you may already be it’s never been done before but as familiar with. Alex explains, without community involvement the job of keeping Basically, the site is an extraordinary watch over these highly vulnerable community based project which creatures is almost impossible. allows members (membership is free) to post koala sightings on an Now it’s our chance to become interactive mapping system. This another pair of eyes and help Alex, kind of data is vital for the on-going help the koalas. Please sign up and conservation and protection of let your friends know about koala koalas. This system will help answer tracker too. The more pairs of eyes three vital questions: there are out there, the more people entering data on the website, the 1 How many koalas are left? more we can do for our iconic koalas. Ed 2 Where are they?
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Photo courtesy of Trish Wimberly
2012. 1st November ‘The Australian Veterinary Association recommends that all horses be vaccinated against the Hendra virus.’ Horse owners and vets must be breathing a sigh of relief now that the Hendra Virus vaccine is available. It is not yet law that all horses are vaccinated, that is still an owners choice. But where does this leave our flying foxes? As we all know, it is thought the virus is transmitted by the bats though urine, saliva etc but how many politicians and people with the power to change laws have stopped and asked themselves - ‘are we accountable in any way?’. It has been noted, that due to changes in environmental conditions which have negatively impacted on the bats’ food source, that the stress that this puts on them has increased the likely hood of higher instances of virus outbreak. If we take a look at a number of our native animals under stress due to habitat loss and then look at the illnesses they are suffering, we can see a worrying pattern. Koalas - retrovirus, chlamydia Possums - dermatitis Rainbow lorikeets - LPS Southern Hairy Nosed Wombats - dermatitis and loss of body condition A t some point, doesn’t someone have to stand up and say, enough is enough? If we continue to destroy habitat the problems are just going to get worse. Doesn’t it stand to reason there will be more viruses, more sickness, more stress put on wildlife and the support agencies and volunteers who take care these victims? The clean up job after human error costs a fortune, both in terms of finance and the sustainability and health of wildlife. There has to be a balance. There will always be development, that’s a fact. We need to find a way to all work together in order to allow for the needs of commerce and the public sector whilst maintaining healthy habitat. Both sides of the ‘coin’ have so much to gain by working in partnership. Co-operation over confrontation. Ed WILDLIFE NEWS
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A quick bat lesson Bats as we recognise them today have been on earth for at least 55 million years. Their evolutionary origins are a subject of debate as fossil records are rare due to their delicate bone structures. Bats are the only mammals capable of sustained flight and are perfectly adapted to achieve this. Bats belong to the order Chiroptera (meaning “hand winged”) and are divided into two suborders, Microchiroptera and Megachiroptera:-
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number of animals or several thousand. Greater broadnosedMicrobats could be considered nature’s can of Mortein as they consume thousands of insects in one night. Although most microbats are insectivores, there are also some carnivorous species. Some larger species prey on smaller species and there is even a fish-eating bat that scoops small fish out of the water with its oversized feet!
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around or tiny fruit flies they are hunting to eat. It is difficult to imagine how microbat brains interpret this information to form a perfect picture of their environment. For example, the echoes bouncing back can tell them the distance from their prey, the size, shape and even the speed it is travelling. The sound waves need to be high frequency to get the detail back they require, so is above our hearing range. There are some very elaborate facial features on microbats such as noseleafs that direct echolocations calls. It is truly an amazing feature and is the subject of a great deal of study. Different species have different frequency calls, thus specialised equipment known as bat detectors have been designed to record these calls and identify species.
Torpor Microbats have a unique way of microbatMicrochiroptera (Microbats) conserving the energy they need to small, mainly insectivorous bats sustain flight while feeding and which navigate and feed using echolocating. They are capable of echolocation. The smallest is the going into what is called ‘torpor’ by bumble bee bat from Thailand lowering their body temperature weighing 1.5gms. It is believed that which in turn lowers their breathing THE CLINIC microbats evolved from a shrew-like and heart rate. They can appear Australian Bat Clinic needs ancestor being born blind and almost lifeless as they barely move donations of medical supplies, without fur. In Australia we have and are cold to the touch. This towels, fruit, fruit juice, milk formula approximately 63 species of happens frequently inligula colder months Vivamus dapibus, risus ac congue auctor, purus placerat lectus, sit etc needs change from season to microbats, that live in a range of when food is scarce. season—please habitats hollows, wisi sit amet est. Suspendisse imperdiet amet including pretiumtreemagna nullacheck with the clinic for our current needs—- These caves, roofs and walls of houses, and Echolocation donations will be gratefully received change roost sites often to avoid The system known as echolocation is and a Tax Deductable Receipt to the predation. They give birth to a single a highly sophisticated method value will be issued. young(some species have multiple microbats use to generate young) through October to So, how did it all begin? It is quite information about their surroundings. and incredible story of vision and December. Microbat babies can be born up to one third of their mother’s It is achieved by emitting high selflessness on the part of two frequency sound waves through their amazing people - Terry and Trish weight, so when they become too mouth and nostrils, and listening for Wimberely. heavy to be carried, they are left behind in the maternity colony. These the echo bouncing back from Here’s their story..... surrounding objects. These can be colonies can consist of a small solid objects they are navigating
Nulla vitae elit at neque laoreet
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The Australian Bat Hospital is a private organisation that has been established to provide best practices medical care for all species of sick, injured and orphaned flying foxes and microbats. HISTORY OF AUSTRALIAN BAT CLINIC & WILDLIFE TRAUMA CENTRE AND NARROWLEAF RETREAT Narrow leaf Retreat is a 40-acre property in the Gold Coast hinterland at Advancetown in Queensland Australia. The property in its most recent history was a Banana plantation, before being purchased and operated by the Catholic Church as a halfway house for street youth. Next came the use as an Herbalist Healing Centre and health retreat.
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Terry and Trish were married on the property in May of 2001 a decision was made by both to dedicate the use of the property for the Native animals of South East Queensland. A badly injured Bandicoot named Benjamina Bandicoot inspired this passion. Trish nursed Benjamina back to health using her knowledge gained as a career in the Blue Mountain WIRES organization in New South Wales.
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to find people that dealt with them at the depth that Trish and Terry wished to go.
As with most things, that Trish and Terry do—-They adopted the plan to learn all they could about Bats—-Put themselves into situations where good things could happen and have fun whilst working on the plan.
The quest for knowledge about Bats has resulted in over 1400 hours of classroom and field studies all over Australia, the United States, Mexico, New Zealand, Brazil, South Africa and Madagascar. Importantly these studies have been with some of the foremost Bat researchers and educators in the world. Specifically In April of 1999, Narrowleaf Retreat Cave and mines research at the passed into the hands of Terry and Mammoth Caves in Kentucky, Trish Wimberley. Their vision for the In 2003, Trish and Terry felt that Echolocation and capture studies in their best contribution would be to property sees themselves as specialize in a group of animals and Arizona. Field studies in the custodians of the property even narrow their focus and increase their Amazon, Madagascar, Mexico and though they own the property by depth—This was a dilemma as Terry Texas. Cave and conservation work title. Found on the property was a in South Africa. Seminars on sign calling the property Dhalanbah loved the Parrots and Possums and destruction of Bat habitat and threats (the place of the rainbow) which now Trish loved everything especially bats. Depending which one, you talk from wind turbines. The lists of adorns the main house and clinic people places and accomplishments rooms. Terry and Trish acknowledge to determine the story about how are both inspiring and amazing. the traditional owners of the land and Bats were selected; however, there is When asked about special memories live in hope that their use of the land some consisity in that both loved the Trish and Terry talk about some of Bats. Bats are a cornerstone of the honours the spirit of the land. ecological system and it was difficult the rare bats they have captured but
Joel Sartore
Trish and Terry joined Wildcare Australia a Queensland equivalent to Wires NSW and attended virtually every educational class given; Wildcare Australia Inc. used the property as its base for 6 1/2 years. Improvements to the property saw cages and fencing purchased to care for Macropods, Possums, Gliders, Turtles, Birds, and Reptiles etc.
Joel Sartore
Joel Sartore
www.australianbatclinic.com.au WILDLIFE NEWS
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most of all it seems to be about the knowledge gained, shared and the unexpected. The most recent expedition saw Trish and Terry team up with the photographic wildlife guru Steve Parrish and Bat research Legend Dr. Les Hall on a 24-day 10,000klm capture and photograph trip to the Northern Territory and Cape Tribulation for a new book from Steve Parrish Publishing. In February of 2009, the Australian Bat Clinic and Wildlife Trauma Centre achieved the Deductable Gift Recipient not for profit Charity status. This is perhaps the culmination of all the work up to this point that for the most part has been self funded by the Wimberley’s putting their passion and money into educating themselves and others and working with the over 1000 animals they assist each year. Unfortunately the Wimberley’s cannot continue without financial assistance from the general public thus the registration as a charity and the call for tax deductible donations. Please help in any way that you can. Now, more than ever, our bats need our help and support and without people like Trish, Terry and their team of volunteers the bats would be in even more trouble. There’s wish list on the website - please check it out by clicking on the link . AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE NEWS would like to commend ABC for the wonderful work they continue to do. Claire Smith, Ed
Joel Sartore Photography These photographs have been kindly donated by Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer. Please take a look at Joel’s amazing work at his website: www.joelsartore.com He is also a published author, teacher and public speaker. My thanks to Joel for his generosity. Claire Joel Sartore
ACTION ALERT: Under a new regulation, up to 10,500 flying-foxes can be shot each year. More are likely to be shot illegally and thousands of dependent young will also die. Shooting flying-foxes was banned because there is a high rate of wounding, and young flying-foxes die of thirst or starvation when their mother is shot in an orchard. Four flying-fox species will be affected: Grey-headed, Spectacled, Black and Little red flying-foxes. Fruit growers can protect their crops far more effectively with nets, costing as little as $8,000 per hectare. http://batsrule-helpsavewildlife.blogspot.com.au 14
Please send a letter to Queensland’s Government. Tell them the worlds is watching, and encourage them to reverse this barbaric decision. Let them know that you will boycott traveling to Australia as well as products that come from Australia, and that you plan to let all of your animal-loving friends to do likewise. The decision to kill bats has been reversed once, lets make it happen again. *Andrew Powell email: glass.house@parliament.qld.gov.au *Campbell Newman email: thepremier@premiers.qld.gov.au *Campbell Newman Ashgrove, Office email: ashgrove@parliament.qld.gov.au *John McVeigh: environment@ministerial.qld.gov.au WILDLIFE NEWS
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"If the wolf is to survive, the wolf haters must be outnumbered. They must be outshouted, out financed, and out voted. Their narrow and biased attitude must be outweighed by an attitude based on an understanding of natural processes." L. David Mech WOLVES ARE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE I have always loved wolves, even as a small child. The first time I met wolves was about 25 years ago at a small wildlife park in the UK. I completely lost track of time and I have no idea if other people were there. As the wolves started to howl I was compelled to howl too...now, you’re probably thinking you’re glad you were not there with me! But if you had been I wouldn’t have stopped. There is just something about the intensity in their eyes, like they are looking inside you. These highly intelligent, beautiful creatures have a mystery and magic about them that cannot be put into words-which makes the baiting, trapping and shooting of them, in my book, a criminal act. I am not against management of species and sometimes culling does take place. The problem, once again, is man. Habitat loss means that the wolf, like so many other species, has to cope with dramatic changes and learn to adapt. This will ultimately mean greater contact with people, farmers, livestock etc But as we have seen in Australia with our Dingo population, it’s easy to blame the dingo for every sheep attack or calf death. More often than not it will be feral dogs - dogs that were once someone’s pet, turned out, escaped, abandoned...human beings have a great deal to answer for. We destroy the habitat and then complain when the original inhabitants take our livestock! Wolves and Dingoes are only doing what they are supposed to do - trying to live naturally in an ever changing environment. Wolves have always had bad press. Wolves breed fear in people. But the reality is that wolves, by nature, are shy animals and will do anything to stay clear of people...Hollywood should accept some of the blame for Lupophobia. Ed The general lack of understanding of the wolf has lead to it being almost hunted to extinction in some parts of the world. Please check out:
WOLF HAVEN INTERNATIONAL The mission of Wolf Haven International is to "Conserve and protect wolves and their habitat." Wolf Haven accomplishes its mission through providing sanctuary, education and conservation. We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that has worked for wolf conservation since 1982. We rescue and provide sanctuary for displaced, captive-born wolves, promote wolf restoration in historic ranges and educate the public about the value of all wildlife. http://www.wolfhaven.org
RESCUE NEWS
Photos courtesy of Wolf Haven International and royalty free photographs.
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L. David Mech L. David Mech (pronounced "Meech") is a Senior Scientist with the Biological Resources Division, U.S. Geological Survey and an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology, and Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. He has studied wolves and their prey since 1958, as well as several other species of wildlife. I recently was lucky enough to be in contact with Dave and he kindly answered some questions I put to him: The first question I asked him was, in his opinion, has the parvovirus that’s been dramatically affecting wolves, been introduced through feral domestic dog? Dave’s reply: No one knows, but it seems strange that before parvo was ever found in dogs, we found antibodies for it in MN wolves (1973). My next question was should the Great Lakes wolves still be protected by Federal law or did he think their recovery has been sufficient to be delisted? It is not often that animals are de-listed. Great Lakes wolves are now fair game for hunters. Dave’s reply: Wolves in the Great Lakes recovered 10 years ago and have continued to increase to 4 times recovery levels. I wanted to know, from an experts’ point of view, what is the future for the wolf in the US and Canada? Dave’s reply: Looks excellent for next 25-50 years depending on how much wild land continues to be undeveloped. www.davemech.com
Photo: public domain
My thanks to Dave Mech for his time in answering my questions. Ed
The International Wolf Center Since humans first drew petroglyphs to record their observations, wolves have populated the art, literature and culture of our planet. The howl of the wolf sends shivers of fascination and love, or fear and distrust, up the backs of people around the world. Hardly anyone treats the wolf with indifference. In 1985, the wolf's relationships with other living creatures became the topic of the celebrated "Wolves and Humans" exhibit at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The 6,000-square-foot display won awards, set attendance records and eventually went on tour in 19 cities around the United States and Canada. More than 2.5 million people learned about wolf behavior and wolf lore and viewed the animal artifacts and masks, the wolf-kill diorama, and groundbreaking research tools. The wolf biologists who consulted in the creation of the exhibit began planning for its return to Minnesota. Dr. L. David Mech gathered representatives from private, public and professional groups to form the Committee for an International Wolf Center. The goal: a permanent home for the exhibit and an international center promoting public education about the wolf. The site search for the nonprofit center ended in the heart of the largest wolf population in the lower 48 states, Ely, Minn. By 1989, a temporary facility was established there, on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 16
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For more than seven decades, gray wolf research conducted near Ely has informed the world about this species and has contributed to its repopulation in the north woods. Sigurd Olson, a world-renowned naturalist, made the first noted studies in the 1930s. Milt Stenlund conducted a second wolf research project from 1948-1952. The quality and sophistication of wolf research in the area grew throughout the years and continues today under the direction of Dr. Mech, who has tracked and studied wolves there since 1966. The foremost international expert in the field, Dr. Mech generously interprets his research for the Center's educational programs and serves on the board of directors.
Photo; Public domain
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The International Wolf Center opened the doors to its $3 million, 17,000-square-foot facility featuring the "Wolves and Humans" exhibit in June, 1993. State funding of $1.2 million and $400,000 in donations from individuals and foundations paid for the expansion of the Voyageur Visitor Center in Ely. A $125,000 grant for construction and promotion of the Center was received from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB) in Eveleth, Minn. In 1998, a 3,260square-foot addition provided a 120seat wolf-viewing theater and more classroom, storage and laboratory space. The expansion was funded by a 1996 bonding bill in the Minnesota State Legislature. The Center's flagship facility features triangular windows designed to represent wolf eyes and ears. The observation windows look into a 1.25-acre wolf enclosure and den site that is home for the resident wolf pack. Four wolves born in April 1993, served as ambassadors for the educational mission of the Center. They were joined by two arctic wolves in the summer of 2000. Since then, older wolves have moved into a retirement enclosure, and new pups
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have been introduced to the pack about every four years. The Center's Ely facility offers a variety of educational programs for adults and families. Afternoon, weekend and week-long visits include howling trips, radio tracking, snowshoe treks, dogsledding, videos, flights over wolf country and hikes. Programs are custom-designed for groups of all ages. Since its inception, the membership in the Center has grown to more than 9,500 people in 50 states and 38 countries. Membership continues to grow and provides funding for educational programs. The Center accomplishes educational outreach beyond its Ely facility through a comprehensive Web site at www.wolf.org, a quarterly magazine, web cams on the resident pack, international symposia and a distance learning program that virtually brings our educators and wolves into classrooms in real time. People around the world are touched each year with educational messages about the wolf. By teaching people about this mysterious predator, the Center aims to ensure a future wilderness complete with the exciting howl of the wolf.
Photo courtesy of www.wolf.org
WILDLIFE NEWS
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This beautiful planet we call home... Is only on loan to us, yet we carve her up, cover her in concrete and tar, tear down the forests, pollute the rivers and oceans, dig into the heart of her and rape the land without thinking about the consequences - but be warned, one day the landlord will come calling!
Claire Smith Photography
NATURES KNOWS BEST.
Claire Smith Photography
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Claire Smith Photography
WILDLIFE NEWS