Proof that species are declining in our forests set up to protect them: Robert Onfray
Robert Onfray. As we celebrate World Endangered Species Day on 19 May, I thought it timely this month to look closely at how species are faring in Australia, particularly in reserves authorities have established to protect them ... We don’t hear about this aspect of monitoring in our reserves because the government, bureaucrats and environmental activists don’t want the public to know just how poorly managed our reserves are.
Volunteers needed for 2023 Annual Cocky Count
Skye McPherson. The South-eastern Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo Recovery Team and BirdLife Australia is looking forward to the regional Annual Cocky Count in 2023 and is seeking the help of volunteers. This year the Annual Cocky Count will be held on Saturday 6 May, with volunteers searching in stringybark sites across the Red-tails’ range in south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria.
Just add water, again
While Victoria wrestles with the federal government over the Murray-Darling Basin Plan Sustainable Diversion Limit project, the delivery of held environmental water ramps up to flood Gunbower Forest again. Described as the ‘Special Sauce’ by North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA), held environmental water will be used to irrigate the forest following two flooding events in 2022, an irrigation event and the following wide-scale major flooding. It’s not tree or canopy health that is driving the NCCMA’s call for water this time around but food for water birds.
Launch of frog ‘hotels’ in Olney State Forest: FCNSW
Olney State Forest is now home to a series of frog ‘hotels’ designed to support threatened frog species, thanks to a partnership between Forestry Corporation of NSW and the University of Newcastle.
Allora’s own pictorial bird guidebook
On Sunday 23rd April, the Allora Landcare Group (ALG) officially launched the second edition of their book ‘A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve’ ... Frank Coman, a CSIRO scientist based in Brisbane was the photographer for the book ... He spoke about the new bird species on the Reserve he keeps finding, and including these resulted in the new edition enlarging to accommodate them. The number is now well over 100.
Maleny Wood Expo
Over 150 exhibitors, artisans and woodworkers, workshop presenters, speakers and performers! With a dynamic program on offer, a full house of exhibitors, and some new features built into the program this year, the return of the Maleny Wood Expo is set to be a fantastic weekend for the whole family to enjoy!
RSPCA worked with experts on bison, but doesn’t say why they died
Several times IndyNR.com contacted the RSPCA for comment about what was going on with the bison at the closed Aranyani Bison Adventure Tourist Park ... Once we had that confirmation on April 20, we reported the deaths of bison at Myrtle Creek.
Experts to descend on Lockyer Valley to discuss koala conservation at upcoming forum
Tickets are now available for the upcoming Lockyer Valley Koala Forum. The Forum, presented by Wildlife Watcher and an initiative of Social Marketing @ Griffith in partnership with the Lockyer Valley Regional Council, will be held on Thursday 18 May at the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, as well as online.
Wild dog data kept securely
Pastoralists and land managers can have complete confidence the information they record about wild dog activity, control and livestock attacks entered on FeralScan ® (including WildDogScan ®) is kept confidential and managed securely.
Allora Mountain the venue for the official launch of the 2nd edition – “A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of Allora Mountain Flora and...
Allora Landcare Group (ALG) is delighted to announce the 2nd edition of their book "A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve" is now available. Since the success of the first edition in 2020 more species of bird have been identified on the Mountain with now well over 100 which suggests the Mountain's ecosystems are richer and more diverse than originally thought.
Emu greeting visitors and locals to Yamba
Visitors to Yamba this Easter may be greeted with the same inquisitive looks that have been exciting locals over the past couple of months from a Coastal Emu that has taken up residence in paddocks near Wynyabbie House at Palmers Channel. Social media has been abuzz with sightings and photos of the critically endangered, world’s second tallest bird, which is only found on the NSW North Coast.
Ballooning mouse numbers a cause for concern: NSW Farmers
Farmers are on the lookout for increased mouse activity with reports of increasing damage to crops and fodder across the state. Two years after a mouse plague saw vehicles, buildings and towns infested while crops were destroyed, NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin is urging growers to be extra-vigilant about mouse activity.
Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital proposed $12 million wildlife plan for Northern Rivers
An innovative regional wildlife care plan has been launched by Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital chair Ninian Gemmell, seeking an extra $6 million for a region-wide strategy. The 10-point plan aims to support all organisations involved in local wildlife care, recognising the vital roles played by the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, Friends of the Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Emu working group hatched
To ensure that the emu population receives appropriate funding and care, a recent on-country meeting was held on Mount Wycheproof, with participation from Council, Traditional Owners, State Government agencies, Friends of Mount Wycheproof, Landcare, and community members. The group collectively resolved to establish a team representative of all stakeholders to oversee the welfare of the emus.
Lord Howe Island Board News
Kermadec Petrel to call LHI home once again, thanks to new project funding - Road upgrade - Project and funding updates - Welcome to the new Ranger, Thomas Nixon
Birds of Lord Howe poster – inspired by the Island
Wildlife artist Fiona Lumsden puts enormous amounts of time and effort into crafting and hand-painting intricate bird posters ... "I fell instantly in love with the Island and its birds ... your birds are so cooperative and charismatic!": Fiona Lumsden.
Forest decline, koala plagues and megafires
Vic Jurskis's clear account of the history of the cycle of plagues and crashes of koalas in Australia's eastern states and the circumstances of those plagues and crashes makes one question whether the time frame for assessing the status of koalas should be 200 years, not 20, and whether the public perception about this much-loved animal is fully informed.
An open letter to the Hon. Chris Minns MP and the Hon. Penny Sharpe MP: Forestry Australia
Despite the public perception that the only way to protect species is to create more conservation reserves, Forestry Australia’s view is that koala recovery can best be achieved through a landscape-wide approach to active management of these populations and their forest habitats across all land tenures. There is considerable evidence that the National Park estate is continuing to be degraded due to unnatural fire regimes, pests and diseases, and a lack of active management to mitigate their impacts.
Lions Club of Clarence launches cat campaign
The Lions Club of Clarence – Environmental are launching a cat campaign designed to protect the extraordinary biodiversity of the valley and allow cat owners to enjoy their pets and keep them safe ... “The campaign is designed to make people aware of what their cats are doing when they are out of their home, and it’s feral cats as well as domestic cats”: President Barbara Linley.
Rambo: Last sighting – Pilliga’s final predator outfoxed by floods
A frustrating four-and-a-half-year battle of hide and seek with one elusive fox has finally come to an end within a fenced area safe-haven in north west NSW’s Pilliga State Conservation Area. The final predator, nicknamed ‘Rambo’, was outfoxed by a couple of floods and the project area has now officially been declared feral predator-free.
Visitor numbers to some of South Australia’s most iconic national parks have skyrocketed: Close
More and more people are rediscovering South Australia’s natural beauty with visits to some national parks skyrocketing 35 per cent over the past year. Naracoorte Caves saw a 35 per cent increase in visitors in the past 12 months while Seal Bay had a 33 per cent increase over the same period as tourists and locals head back out to explore our unique national parks.
Hey Frog! – Why are ecologists yelling at frogs out in the forest?: FCNSW
Forestry Corporation ecologists have spent the week walking through Bondo State Forest near Tumut calling ‘hey frog’ – The most effective survey technique for detecting the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog. Amazingly, yelling 'Hey Frog' elicits a response from the frogs, which call out in response.
