Latest News

1. They eat what?! Arid Recovery 11-May-2012
2. Behaviours to watch for Arid Recovery 08-May-2012
3. How can you get involved? Arid Recovery 02-May-2012
4. Feral Cat Month Arid Recovery 01-May-2012
5. Postie Bash Preparations Arid Recovery 27-Apr-2012

Arid Recovery News

They eat what?!

Arid Recovery - Friday, May 11, 2012

The arid zone has lost approximately 60% of its small mammal population, and while although cannot be put down entirely to the fault of just one animal, it would be fair to say that feral cats have played a significant role.  So, just exactly how much and what do they eat?

Since 1997, Arid Recovery has undertaken feral control for rabbits, cats and foxes.  A number of soft jaw leg hold traps are situated around the external perimeter of the Arid Recovery Reserve in an attempt to ease the pressure on the fence.  These traps, along with nocturnal spotlighting and baiting programs, provide us with an estimate of feral cats in the area and help to reduce the impacts they may have in the near vicinity of our Reserve.  Each cat that has been caught, is humanely euthanized by a trained and licenced staff member or volunteer.  Later the cat is dissected to examine its stomach contents. 

In the 15 years of Arid Recovery over 1455 cats have been dissected, finding more than 3203 animals in their stomach contents.  This includes 1204 insects, 1390 mammals, 97 birds and 512 reptiles.  This averages out to approximately 2 small animals for every feral cat!

It is estimated the feral cat population of Australia is currently around the 15 million mark, and if each of these cats are eating 2 small animals each, that is 30 million individuals we lose EVERY DAY! 

The annual small mammal and reptile trapping undertaken by Arid Recovery each year clearly indicates the impacts feral cats (and foxes) have on native wildlife, trapping 6 times more small mammals inside the feral free Reserve, than outside.

The photo below depicts a cat euthanised in the early days of Arid Recovery.  Its stomach contains:

• 24 painted dragons
• 3 bearded dragons
• 3 striped skinks
• 2 earless dragons
• 1 mouse
• 1 zebra finch

The animals were predominantly undigested, which shows that this was all prey caught in the last 24 hours.  Thirty four animals died to fill the belly of one feral cat, how many more before we make a national effort to put a stop to it?

 

 

Comments (3) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Feral Cat Month

Arid Recovery - Tuesday, May 01, 2012

 

 

Unfortunately, while we and a number of small native mammals enjoy the green tinge to the arid zone, a predator has been lurking and taking advantage of the abundant food source.  According to locals of Roxby Downs and Andamooka, sightings of feral cats around town have increased significantly over the last couple of months, sparking us here at Arid Recovery to declare May as “Feral Cat Month”.

In an attempt to help people realise the devastating effects of feral cats on the native environment, Feral Cat Month will offer Arid Recovery blog readers and Roxby Downs locals the chance to learn a little bit more about the feral animals of the area, particularly cats, and how they impact the environment. 

“We understand that people enjoy the company of cats and that they can make great pets but they need to be looked after correctly.  Cats need to be micro- chipped, registered, de-sexed and cannot be found wandering at large (ie. off their owners property), just the same as dogs,” said Volunteer and Community Coordinator, Hannah Spronk. 

Arid Recovery are asking people to take a guess at how far spread feral cats are in Australia and estimate rough numbers that might be roaming around.  Comment below or on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/AridRecovery , in just a couple of days we will release our figures, which might be surprising!

 

 

Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Bettongs and bilbies moving house

Arid Recovery - Friday, April 13, 2012

The effort to ensure our control is kept clear of not only feral cats, foxes and rabbits but bilbies and bettongs too continues.  Acting as a ‘control’ the second expansion is an area where we have minimised the number of variables (such as feral and native species) that might be impacting.  We can then compare data collected from here to other areas inside and outside the reserve.

Although feral proof, our cheeky bettongs and bilbies have managed to sneak their way in to the second expansion and make themselves at home.  Compared to other areas within the reserve their population numbers are low, but we are still working hard to maintain the integrity of our control and remove all reintroduced species from there.  Field Officer Anni Walsh has had the task of coordinating the ongoing trapping effort, experimenting with different techniques to determine the most successful.

We are well aware that our bettongs love the smell of peanut butter and will happily wander into a cage trap in the pursuit of peanut butter goodness.  But our bilbies are a little more difficult.  Earlier in the year our interns utilised burrow traps, targeting areas where there was known bilby activity.  In an attempt to utilise the particularly inquisitive nature of our bettongs, a trial one way gate was installed, in the hope that they would use this to remove themselves from the second expansion to other areas of the reserve. 

Surprisingly we got lucky, and caught footage with our remote cameras of a bilby investigating this new contraption installed near his home.  As can be seen from the photographs below, he almost goes through with it, getting half way into the one way gate before becoming shy and retreating.  Night after night, our footage has shown the same bilby returning but unfortunately never following through and crossing over to the other side of the fence.  So, the quest to clear all bettongs and bilbies from the second expansion continues!

 

The bilby checking out the one way gate (circled in red on the left).

Although he got himself halfway in, he unfortunately turned around and didn't go through.

Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Easter Bilbies Preparations

Arid Recovery - Tuesday, April 03, 2012

We all know Easter is just around the corner and Easter Bilby has been working hard at the Arid Recovery Reserve, preparing for his big weekend of chocolate egg deliveries ahead! 

Although there is some debate as to exactly where and when the concept of Easter Bilby originated, the business name was registered in 1991 by the Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia.  Whilst many of the children of Roxby Downs will now happily tell you the difference between a feral rabbit and a native endangered bilby, we want to spread the message further.  For years now Australians have made Christmas their own, donning shorts rather than scarves and decorating a branch of eucalypt, it is now time to do the same for our Easter.

Rabbits first came to Australia with the First Fleet with 24 rabbits released on the mainland at a property near Geelong in 1859.  These rabbits of course spread quickly to cover the landscape.  In just 18 months one pair of rabbits can turn into 184, displaying their exponential breeding and giving rise to the saying “breeding like rabbits”.  Unfortunately these huge numbers have decimated areas of Australia, causing vegetation loss, soil degradation and most likely contributing to the local extinctions of some species, including the Greater Bilby.

By celebrating Easter in Australia with an Easter Bilby rather than Bunny, we hope to raise awareness of the devastating impacts feral rabbits have had across the country and the plight of our endangered Greater Bilby.  So this Easter rather than chomping down on a chocolate bunny, how about purchasing a chocolate Easter Bilby? Sales of chocolate bilbies from Darrell Lea help to support the Save the Bilby bund and chocolate bilbies purchased from Haigh’s support the Foundation for Rabbit-Free Australia. 

Support the Arid Recovery bilbies and the fight for an arid zone free of rabbits by adopting a bilby from the Reserve.  A special offer available until Friday 6^th, for just $50 you can adopt a bilby from the Arid Recovery Reserve and receive an adoption certificate, complimentary one year membership and a small plush bilby toy.  Check out the Get Involved tab on our website to adopt.

.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Can dingoes save our threatened native species?

Arid Recovery - Thursday, March 29, 2012

In late January we raised a few hackles with an update on our dingo study and the role they play in the arid zone.  We ended up with a mix of opinions from pastoralists and conservationists from far and wide.  Now we raise the question, can the dingo save our native species?

Some scientists believe that dingoes play a role in protecting native species and restoring the balance of our ecosystem.  It has been found that in some areas where dingoes are found, threatened species are still surviving, giving rise to the theory that dingoes play a part in protecting some threatened native species.

It is assumed that in these areas where small populations of threatened species are existing with dingo populations, that there are also feral species such as cats and foxes, which are being kept under control by the higher order predator, the dingo.  The introduction of feral cat and fox predators has meant the small mammal population has taken a beating, being prime easy prey compared to species such as kangaroos which have now reached very high numbers in some areas.

We would like to hear what you think.  Can dingoes save a native species?  Are there any other solutions out there to help us protect our threatened and endangered Aussie critters?

Click on the photo below to follow the story by the ABC recently covering this topic.

Comments (1) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

2012 Summer Internship

Arid Recovery - Thursday, December 01, 2011

Arid Recovery is offering a two month internship for a couple of eager students who would like to expand their knowledge and improve their skills.  We are seeking applications from enthusiastic students who are willing to commit to two months of work at the Arid Recovery Reserve.  Below is a reflection from previous student, Perri Carter, who has now gained employment with the South Australian Arid Lands Natural Resource Management Board. 

For further information about the 2012 internship and applications, please click here.

 

Applications close Tuesday 20th December.

 

Reflections of Perri Carter I first moved to Roxby Downs last December fresh out of Uni and ready to take on anything, including the Arid Recovery summer scholarship. When I saw the scholarship advertised I knew it was exactly what I wanted to do, I really wanted to put the skills I learnt at Uni to work and help conserve Australia’s wildlife. My first big event while at Arid Recovery was the February Annual Trapping when we trap for small mammals and reptiles it was an exhausting week of early mornings and late nights but a highlight of my time here. Getting to see such a large range of small mammals that you know are out there but never get to see such as my favourite the Stripe-faced Dunnart (Sminthopsis macroura).

Other highlights of my time here have been the internal translocation of the Western Barred Bandicoot the September trapping and of course Open Day. After months preparing for Open Day it was great to see the day such a success, radio tracking Macca was so much fun the kids were so excited to be running through the dunes looking for a giant Bilby.

To finish off my last week perfectly on my last tour I finally saw the illusive Bilby that hangs out on the dune near the ATCO. Every tour I did I would walk back slowly and quietly along the dune hoping to see the Bilby that is often spotted but until then it had alluded me. It was a perfect end to my time finally getting to see it 10 meters in front of me. 

Lastly I just want to say thank you to everyone at Arid Recovery staff and volunteers it has been amazing to meet you all and I will take away so much new knowledge from my time here.

Comments (2) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

The Great Bettong Escape

Arid Recovery - Wednesday, October 26, 2011

For many people, the arid zone during the day looks like a dry, dusty and slightly lifeless area and many wonder where all these animals are that we are talking about.  But as the sun starts to dip below the horizon and the moon begins to rise, you will soon see the Arid Recovery Reserve come to life.  A number of night vision cameras have been erected around the reserve to find exactly what all the wildlife is getting up to.

Photo 1: Those who have had the experience of staying over- night at the reserve or taking one of the nocturnal tours will readily tell you about the abundance of Burrowing Bettongs and their cheeky antics.  This photograph above shows one of the Reserve's more elusive inhabitants, a Stick-nest Rat, investigating around the base of one of our exterior exclusion fences.

Photo 2: This next shot shows a Bettong discovering the large corner posts that we use for the Arid Recovery Fence.  The fence was designed that while animals (such as cats) could still climb up the exterior, they were unable to reach the interior of the reserve due to the floppy top which throws off their balance.  While these mischievous little critters spend most of their time hopping around and are even named for their habit of burrowing underground, they do have the ability to climb, and quite well!

Photo 3:  Quite clearly these ground dwellers aren’t too scared of heights, easily pulling themselves up the inside of the fence in an attempt to discover what lies beyond.  It was for this reason that the main exclosure was electrified not only on the exterior to prevent feral animals from entering, but also on the interior to stop our precious threatened species from climbing out to feral populated areas or other expansions of the reserve.

Photo 4:  Not only do the animals inside the reserve that become active at night, but also those on the outside.  This dingo waits patiently on the exterior of the fence, anticipating dinner to crawl over the fence and land at his feet.

Photo 5:  This kangaroo outside the fence has also come to investigate why this fence is here and what is going on.  If you look closely you can see the small joey head, poking out of its mothers pouch, a sight we were lucky enough to capture on these cameras.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Feral Facts: A resource for land owners

Arid Recovery - Thursday, September 15, 2011

Feral Facts: A resource for land owners created by Arid Recovery distributes information about feral species to the wider public and is made accessible to anyone that may need to understand how to manage feral species such as rabbits, cats and foxes. These species are hugely damaging to the Australian ecosystem therefore the more we understand about them the better we are equipped to manage their detrimental impacts.

“We worked with landholders across the region to understand what information was most relevant for them.” said Helen Crisp, Arid Recovery ecologist.

This 15-page booklet brings science and on-ground management together by sharing a decade’s worth of research outcomes gathered at Arid Recovery in a user-friendly format.  Feral facts, primarily focusses on feral animals of the arid zone, their impacts on native flora, fauna and ecosystems, best-practice methods to control them and the benefits of controlling them.  The booklet has been made possible through funding received from the SA Government and we encourage everyone to have a read.

Please contact Arid Recovery, 8671 8282 or info@aridrecovery.org.au if you would like a copy of Feral facts, or check out our website www.aridrecovery.org.au for more information.

http://www.aridrecovery.org.au/LiteratureRetrieve.aspx?ID=97563

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

Happy Easter - From the Team at Arid Recovery

Arid Recovery - Thursday, April 21, 2011

Easter is just around the corner!

Forget the Easter Bunny...What about the Easter Bilby!

Since rabbits are on everyone’s mind over Easter it’s a great time to think about the Australian environment and how rabbits have impacted the land as a feral animal.

While not a predator to our native wildlife, the rabbit still has a catastrophic influence on native plants and animals. The rabbit eats grass, herbs and tree seedlings, competing with our native animals for food.  It digs into the soil and eats a plant right down to the root system.  This means that there is little regeneration (new growth of the plant) and this means less food for native animals.  Rabbits have been known to climb into trees to reach food and ringbark trees. (which ends up killing the tree)  With less vegetation the land dries out and the topsoil blows away.  Rabbits are implicated in more than half of the medium sized mammal extinctions in Australia.

At AR we think Easter is about new beginnings so instead of waiting for the Easter Bunny why not adopt an Easter Bilby—or one of their friends and help our wonderful native species!

 

 

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

BHPB Matched Giving Support, where does it go?

Arid Recovery - Wednesday, March 31, 2010

BHP Billiton's Matched Giving Program contributes $10 per hour of volunteer work undertaken by BHPB employees towards the cause of their choice, and also dollar for dollar on many donations given by their employees.  The value of monies raised this quarter by Arid Recovery volunteers through the BHP Billiton's matched giving program is priceless.

This Autumn quarter will have a 'feral focus'.  Funds raised via the Program will help with maintenance of our existing remote monitoring system and feral eradication of the Red Lake Expansion.  March, April and May are the 'golden months' for feral predators as young cats and foxes begin to emerge. Hence it is a crucial time to maintain our feral control programs and monitoring to enhance our knowledge of these amazing but devastating feral predators.

Arid Recovery would like to give special thanks to all the volunteers who have given their time to assist our cause this past quarter, in particular those that assisted with annual trapping, and in this quarter we highlight those involved with feral animal control.

Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0) | Permalink

---

Previous 1 2 Next

Recent Posts

• They eat what?!
• Feral Cat Month
• Postie Bash Preparations
• Experience the Reserve after dark!
• Kids club goes bettong spotting
• Bettongs and bilbies moving house
• Easter Bilbies Preparations
• Can dingoes save our threatened native species?
• One for the Road
• An Arid Recovery Baby

---

Tags

feral control birds translocation threatened species conferences tours Arid Recovery restoration Special Events forums volunteer outback eagle Bilby relocation winner grants arid zone

• Arid Recovery (26)
• arid zone (23)
• Bilby (9)
• birds (2)
• conferences (2)
• eagle (2)
• feral control (11)
• forums (1)
• grants (3)
• outback (16)
• relocation (5)
• restoration (13)
• Special Events (21)
• threatened species (23)
• tours (10)
• translocation (4)
• volunteer (10)
• winner (2)

---

Archive

• May 2012 (2)
• April 2012 (5)
• March 2012 (4)
• February 2012 (2)
• January 2012 (4)
• December 2011 (6)
• November 2011 (6)
• October 2011 (3)
• September 2011 (6)
• August 2011 (3)
• July 2011 (1)