Wildlife Bytes 26/1/12

Editorial; 2011, Sad year for Wildlife

Many wildlife lovers know about an incredibly bizarre incident involving animals who ran rampant after being released from a private animal reserve near Zanesville, Ohio after one of the owners of the reserve released them and then apparently shot himself. At least 49 of the animals have been shot and killed, most of them within 1500 feet of their pens, six tranquilized, and one hit by a car. Summary by Marc Bekoff, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Read more http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/animal-emotions/201110/bloodbath-in-ohio-numerous-exotic-animals-killed-after-being-freed

Then in December in Australia, near Gympie, 20 kangaroos are killed by a Police Officer....... without a Permit. Inquiries are ongoing. Permits are being granted to "relocate" flying foxes, in spite of the stress and confusion these relocation attempts cause the flying foxes. One loudmouthed, environmentally bereft politician wants to wipe them out. And we are losing our warrior activists as well. Earlier this year our Elsie Quinn passed away, a stalwart Sydney action lady for all animals. Then Joan Papayani from WLPA passed away in Sydney, closely followed by her husband Cliff. Cliff acted as our Pro Bono barrister in one of our earlier appeals against the commercial kangaroo kill. Even now I can still vividly remember after we lost the Appeal, and the Judgement was handed down, Cliff calling out "its a whitewash!" Another koala has been shot in Queensland, the commercial kangaroo Industry continues to push its disgusting wheelbarrow, and we the taxpayers, are paying for it through Federal Government grants to the Industry. Many of our hardworking wildlife carers are getting out, plagued by a lack of funding and lack of support from Government Environment Departments. Will 2012 be any better for wildlife? We doubt it..........

Bush Food for Captive Wildlife

The Alice Springs Desert Park in Central Australia has been growing native foods for its animals and hopes to eventually become entirely self-sufficient. *ABC
Watch the video .. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-15/wildlife-park-grows-own-bush-foods/3773676

Getup Survey

With an election around the corner in 2013, this year will be critical as Parliament considers a range of progressive reforms. Can you take a few minutes to help set GetUp’s priorities for the year ahead? Can we suggest the commercial kangaroo kill is an issue Getup could work on?
The Survey is here... http://surveys.getup.org.au/s3/2012-Vision-Survey?t=dXNlcmlkPTUxNTY2LGVtYWlsaWQ9NTM4

Wildlife Rally

A Wildlife rally for dugongs and sea turtles is to be held in Brisbane in February, and all native animal/marine groups are invited to the rally. The rally in Brisbane is held under Earthrace Conservation Australia banner .
http://www.earthraceconservation.org/videos/earthrace-and-us-campaign-protect-australias-dugongs-and-sea-turtlesmp4 It is one of three Earthrace Rallys being held in 2012. One in London January 19th, One in new Zealand 20th January, And one in Brisbane Feb 14th . The Rallys are designed to embarrass our governments on dugong and turtle hunting, and also to highlight what the existing government or the incoming government needs to do to help our wildlife causes. Earthrace have invited a lot of animal groups, including Fraser Island dingoes, Koala groups, Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Inc., and Opposition members of the LNP will speak at the rally at our invitation. Bob Irwin will be there in person. It will be Tuesday February 14th, at 2.30 PM on Speakers Corner outside the Old Parliament. Contact is to director of operations Alan Winstanley alan@earthrace.net or ColinwhoCares at dugongman@gmail.com 0427632208 More info on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/366905653326724/

Climate Change

There are concerns residents of the outer islands in the Torres Strait will soon be forced to flee their homes by encroaching seas. Late last year the Federal Government backflipped on a commitment to restore seawalls on the islands. Scientists say without those seawalls infrastructure on the shoreline could be inundated, exposing locals to water-borne diseases. It's just a few days before the king tide season when many island communities in the Torres Strait are expected to flood once again. The rise in sea levels and an increase in extreme weather events in the region make the islands at this time of the year particularly vulnerable. *ABC
Read more; ... http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2012/s3408747.htm

Kangaroos Shot by Police Officer

Last issue of WildIife Bytes we carried a story about the Police Officer who went kangaroo shooting near Gympie, and killed 20 or so kangaroos, many which had been considered "pets" by the locals, and some were even named. The Police Officer is a 42 year old senior officer who took a young teenager out with him in mid December to carry out this senseless attack. This officer, who reportedly killed these kangaroos, has been issued only with an "Infringement Notice," which amounts to a "slap on the wrist." However, in a response to our letter to the Qld Police Commissioner, he states that he (the Commissioner) is unable to comment further as the matter is still under investigation. He did say that the Matter has been referred to the Qld CMC, and the Police Ethical Standards Committee is also investigating. AWPC have set up a petition to get this Policeman properly tried in a court of law because in Australia if you shoot just one kangaroo without a Permit, a native protected species, there carries with it a $10,000 Australian dollar penalty per animal. As the Qld Government has called an election for March 24th, its likely that this matter will be buried, unless we keep up the pressure. If you havent done so already, please take some action now to ensure this matter doesnt get "shoved under the carpet". You could also contact your local Candidates about this too.
Petition here http://www.change.org/petitions/mothers-and-babies-shot-down-by-australian-policeman
Contact the Qld Crime and Misconduct Commission here http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/about-us/contact-us Please take some action over this outrage.


Seals

Post-mortem examinations conducted on New Zealand fur seals found dead on a remote South Australian beach are inconclusive but may point to infection as a cause of death. Staff at Adelaide University's vet school have today completed necropsies on the remains of three of 51 seal pups found dead on the Eyre Peninsula on Sunday, Adelaide University spokesman David Ellis said. One adult and one juvenile were also found dead, taking the total to 53. "The seal pups are quite badly decomposed," Mr Ellis said today. "They can't rule out people doing the wrong thing or foul play but they're leaning towards there potentially being some kind of infection." The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said seals washed up along six kilometres of coastline in the Wanna Beach area of Lincoln National Park on Sunday. The protected species is found along Australia's south coast and along the coast of New Zealand's South Island. The seals can weigh up to 250kg but males usually average about 125kg. They are generally considered docile but will attack if provoked. AAP

Bats

More than five years since the deadly white-nose fungus was first detected in a New York cave where bats hibernate, up to 6.7 million of the animals are estimated to have died in 16 states and Canada, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Tuesday. The estimate, drawn from surveys by wildlife officials mostly in Northeastern states where the disease thrives, confirmed the worst fears of biologists who have been counting dead bats covered in the powdery fungus in mines and caves every winter and worrying whether the little brown bat, the northern long-eared bat and the tricolored bat will survive. “We’re watching a potential extinction event on the order of what we experienced with bison and passenger pigeons for this group of mammals,” said Mylea Bayless, conservation programs manager for Bat Conservation International in Austin, Tex. “The difference is we may be seeing the regional extinction of multiple species,” Bayless said. “Unlike some of the extinction events or population depletion events we’ve seen in the past, we’re looking at a whole group of animals here, not just one species. We don’t know what that means, but it could be catastrophic.” Washington Post
Read more .. http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/nearly-7-million-bats-may-have-died-from-white-nose-fungus-officials-say/2012/01/17/gIQAyixH6P_story.html

Crows

A video of a fun-loving crow seemingly using a jar lid to 'snowboard' down a snow-covered roof has gone viral on YouTube. The one minute 24 second clip of the bird, captured by a family in Russia, has notched up nearly 250,000 hits in just two days. The hooded crow is seen taking advantage of the chilly winter weather to repeatedly slide down the roof on the round jar lid. After the enterprising bird successfully slides down the roof, he picks up his lid and flies back to the top to try again. The second time around, it tries sliding over a bare patch of roof but quickly realises that snow works much better than roof tiles. The family who captured the moment watched the bird in awe. "Maybe it is teasing us," one of the children says.
Research has revealed that crows are fiercely intelligent, with powerful memories, planning skills and the ability to trick other animals.
Watch the Video ...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YP9RnDp_tms&feature=player_embedded#!

Black Cockatoos

Black cockatoos are on a death march north says the chair of the Black Cockatoo Preservation Society The WA government should stop logging immediately in old growth forest in order to save the lives of black cockatoos. That's the opinion of Glenn Dewhurst, chair of the Black Cockatoo Preservation Society Australia. Cockatoo numbers of both white-tailed and red-tailed species are decreasing in the South West and the metropolitan area, he says, and lack of food is one of the reasons. Marri, jarrah nuts, hakea and banksia form part of the bird's normal diet, explains Glenn, "Unfortunately it is becoming more scarce." Glenn, who is also Chair of Wildlife Australia, has been looking after injured birds since 2004. "(We would) get up to 300, 400 rescues a year," he says. "We have 200 at the moment." *ABC
Read more ... http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/01/17/3409833.htm

Allan the Dollarbird

Found hopping and flapping on the side of a road in Landsborough, and transported to: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by the concerned local resident who found Allan. Dr Claude assessed Allan and noted weakness, but a good body score overall. X-rays revealed Allan had no fractures, however there were several foreign objects located in his stomach, including what looked like a can ring pull. Dr Claude gave Allan fluids, pain relief and antibiotics, and prepared for surgery the following day. However in the morning, Dr Claude discovered that overnight Allan had passed three can ring pulls, a rock, and a piece of plastic! Outcome: Allan is still having a little trouble standing, however is now able to be sent to a registered wildlife carer for hand-raising before being released back into the wild. AZWH Statistic: Please dispose of your rubbish carefully! Many patients are brought to us after eating what they mistake for food, and not all are as lucky as Allan. *AZWH

Feral Pythons

The United States is banning the import of Burmese pythons and three other species of giant constrictor snakes due to the danger they pose to local wildlife. U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar made the announcement Tuesday as he visited the Everglades National Park in Florida, saying the ban will take effect in about 60 days. The move will make it illegal to import the snakes or transport them across state lines. In addition to the python, the new policy refers to the yellow anaconda as well as the northern and southern African pythons as injurious wildlife. Salazar said in a statement that the nonnative, invasive snakes pose a real and immediate threat to the Everglades and other ecosystems in the United States. He said the Burmese python has already gained a foothold in the Everglades. * Voice of America
Read more ... http://www.voanews.com/english/news/usa/US-Bans-Snakes-Plaguing-Florida-Everglades-137524748.html

New Primate Rediscovered!

Scientists working in the dense jungles of Indonesia have "rediscovered" a large, grey monkey so rare it was believed to be extinct. They were all the more baffled to find the Miller's grizzled langur - its black face framed by a fluffy, dracula-esque white collar - in an area well outside its previously recorded home range. The team set up camera traps in the Wehea Forest on the eastern tip of Borneo island in June, hoping to capture images of clouded leopards, orang-utans and other wildlife known to congregate at several mineral salt licks. The pictures that came back caught them all by surprise: groups of monkeys none had ever seen. With virtually no photographs of the grizzled langurs in existence, it at first was a challenge to confirm their suspicions, said Brent Loken, a PhD student at Simon Fraser University in Canada, and one of the lead researchers. The only images out there were museum sketches.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/monkey-believed-extinct--rediscovered-20120122-1qbrl.html#ixzz1kRrBzR2v

Fishing

Rising wealth in Asia and fishing subsidies are among factors driving overexploitation of the world's fish resources, while fish habitat is being destroyed by pollution and climate change, UN marine experts said Tuesday. Up to 32 per cent of the world's fish stocks are overexploited, depleted or recovering, they warned. Up to half of the world's mangrove forests and a fifth of coral reefs that are fish spawning grounds have been destroyed. The UN Environment Programme says less-destructive ways of fishing that use more labour and less energy are needed to help restore the health of the world's oceans and coasts. The agency is leading a five-day conference in Manila of experts and officials from 70 governments.
Read more .. http://calgary.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20120124/UNEP-world-fish-stock-warning-120124/20120124/?hub=CalgaryHome

Become a Wildlife Warrior

By making a one-off donation or joining our monthly giving program you can become part of a global wildlife force that is working hard to preserve our natural environment. Monthly Giving Program; Sign up to become a regular giver for wildlife conservation! Donations start from as little as $2.50 a week and can go to helping our native wildlife at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Nearly 100 wildlife emergency calls are received every day at the Hospital, Up to 30 different species are admitted to the hospital every day, Currently around 80 koalas undergoing treatment, Approximately 70% of patients are victims of car accidents or domestic pet attacks, The cost to treat one animal ranges from $100 to thousands of dollars To sign up or find out more please visit http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au *



Wildlife Caring

The Gold Coast's wildlife has a good friend in 2012's Citizen of the Year. Founder of the ABC and Wildlife Trauma Centre Trish Wimberly took out the top gong at the annual Gold Coast City Council Australia Day Awards. Mayor Ron Clarke said the awards were all about recognising and celebrating the city's outstanding community members and organisations. "It is so pleasing that our community has embraced the challenge of looking after our environment as shown by this year's recipients of the Gold Coast Citizen of the Year and the Environmental Achievement Award," Cr Clarke said. Mrs Wimberly and her husband provide medical care to all species of sick, injured and orphaned bats and Australian native fauna. Since 2000 their not-for-profit organisation has rescued most of the non-domesticated animals injured on the Coast's roads. The centre's operation requires a 24/7 commitment, houses up to 500 animals and is well deserving of Mrs Wimberly's accolade. *MyDaily News



Injured wallaby joeys are slowly bouncing back thanks to the care of a Townsville volunteer carer. Louella and Reidy, as featured on the front page of today's Bulletin, are among 13 joeys cared for by North Queensland Wildlife Care's Margaret Neihoff at Kirwan. "They're not ready to live independently until about 12 months old but they will leave the substitute pouches in the next few weeks," she said. It takes the 71-year-old retiree up to eight hours to feed the joeys five times each day. "It takes about 90 minutes to feed them once I make the milk and get the bottles ready," she said. "I take them to the toilet and keep them clean and wash the bottles too." Named after Reid River, Reidy was found with a broken tail off the highway near Charters Towers. "He was found like that on the side of the road but he's recovering and it's not going to impede his mobility," she said. Found in her dead mum's pouch, Louella was given to Ms Neihoff by a family at Alligator Creek."She came here last Sunday, the family saw the mother on the side of the road, the body was decomposing after she'd been hit by a car," she said. "I think people should not assume there won't be a joey inside even if the body doesn't look fresh - they should really check the pouch." A carer of 30 years, Ms Neihoff said North Queensland Wildlife Care needed more people willing to rehabilitate animals. "We have basic training on February 18 to become registered, people can sign up online," she said. * Cairns Post More info: http://www.nqwildlife.org.au


Although Wildlife Victoria has closed its overnight emergency service, other local services are available for injured animals and birds. Leader revealed in December that despite receiving a massive $4.3 million in donations after 2009’s Black Saturday fires, financial statements showed Wildlife Victoria could be bankrupt within three years. Chief executive Karen Masson revealed in an email sent to the organisation’s membership last week that the 24-hour rescue service would become a day service from February 1. Between 9pm and 7am the hotline would provide “information only” and no longer answer emergency calls. “We trust that with suitable funding in place we will be able to offer a service to cover these hours, if possible, later in the year,” Ms Masson said in the email. However, local wildlife carers said this decision would not affect services around the peninsula. Wildlife Help On Mornington Peninsula (WHOMP) treasurer, Una Merrick, said her organisation’s phone number was monitored 24 hours. “WHOMP is the main group here and, combined with Help for Wildlife, we have covered the peninsula for many years,” Ms Merrick said. Wildlife Victoria has also withdrawn food and fuel subsidies to carers and rescuers, who rely on a 50 per cent rebate on the cost of specially formulated milk and 10c a kilometre when attending callouts. Food rebates will cease from January 31, while fuel will no longer be subsidised after March 31. Ms Merrick said she had always paid for all food given to animals and, up until recently, all petrol costs in transporting many of the larger wildlife to Healesville’s animal hospital. Anyone who finds injured wildlife can phone WHOMP on 0417 380 687. * Leader


Nicola Vaughan, 35, Willliamstown, of Wildlife Victoria, wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, is one of 12 community workers recognised in the Victorian Australia Day awards. "In four years working with Wildlife Victoria I have helped transport and foster hundreds of native animals - such as possums, native birds, goannas, kangaroo joeys, micro bats and small mammals. "In feel a responsibility because in my generation we have expanded our urban boundaries so much that it is badly affecting wildlife. "I keep my summer free of paid work so I can help with wildlife." she said. * Herald Sun


The next workshop on Pelicans & Seabirds,which will be presented by Julie Dunn, Founder & Coordinator of Australian Seabired Rescue South Coast. To be conducted in beautiful Bermagui on the 25th February 2012, this workshop will teach you how to recognize pelicans, seabirds & shorebirds that are sick, injured or orphaned. Also how to rescue and provide immediate first aid in the field. If you could please distribute the flyer amongst your work colleagues, associates, friends or whoever you think may be interested in attending it would be appreciated. I would encourage anyone interested in reducing the human impact on our coastal wildlife to attend. Should you have any queries please do not hesitate in contacting me on the ASR Hotline 0431282238 .Julie Dunn, Founder & Co-ordinator, Australian Seabird Rescue South Coast, Mob: 0431272237 email: seabirdrescue@optusnet.com.au

Whaling

Activists and the Coalition say a broken promise by the federal Labor government led three Australian anti-whaling protesters to board a Japanese whaling vessel. West Australians Glen Pendlebury, Simon Peterffy and Geoffrey Tuxworth boarded the Shonan Maru No.2 off Bunbury, WA, on January 7 and demanded the crew take them back to Australia. The action was a futile attempt to divert the whaling fleet's security vessel from shadowing a Sea Shepherd anti-whaling boat. In diplomatic talks, Japan agreed not to charge the men with trespass and allowed them to be picked up by an Australian customs boat, which brought them to the WA port of Albany on Monday.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/whale-watch/activists-blame-labor-for-whaling-clash-20120117-1q4cw.html#ixzz1jkQ2ll9F


Anti-whaling campaigners and the crew of a Japanese whaling ship have had a violent clash at sea, with the activists hurling containers of rotten butter and paint and getting sticks and teargas in return. Sea Shepherd's Steve Irwin vessel was shadowing the Yushin Maru 2 in the Antarctic Ocean when the confrontation occurred on Sunday. The Japanese Fisheries Agency says the activists threw more than 40 bottles of rotten butter and paint at the whaling ship. Steve Irwin captain Paul Watson told the ABC that the Japanese returned fire with concussion grenades and teargas. "They have been using concussion grenades on us," Mr Watson said. "Today they used, also for the first time, teargas which they have in these large canisters on backpacks." It was the latest incident in the long-running battle between the activists and Japanese. Two weeks ago three Australians illegally boarded the Shonan Maru 2 off the West Australian coast in an effort to disrupt the Japanese whalers. "We're chasing the Japanese whaling fleet. They're running and it's a constant confrontation," Mr Watson said. He said the Australian and New Zealand governments should have ships in the area to monitor the situation. "But our objective is to save as many whales as we possibly can and their objective is to kill as many whales as they possibly can," Mr Watson said. * Age


Taxpayers forked out $155,000 to retrieve the three environmentalists who boarded a Japanese whaling security vessel off the coast of Bunbury. The Federal Government announced the costs yesterday, saying the total included fuel for customs vessel the Ocean Protector, which picked up the men, a port berth and support services. That was in addition to the vessel's usual running costs. The sum comes in addition to the regular operating costs of running the Ocean Protector over the time it took the vessel to go fetch the trio, which amounted to about $900,000. WA men Geoffrey Tuxworth, Simon Peterffy and Glen Pendlebury were dropped in Albany on Monday. Prime Minister Julia Gillard was deeply critical of the men, and complained taxpayers would have to foot the bill for their hi-jinks. But activist group Sea Shepherd say the Australians would not have had to cough up had the Government allowed one of its vessels to retrieve the men. However the Japanese refused to consider such a plan, fearing what might happen should a Sea Shepherd boat be allowed to get too close to one of its vessels. *WA News

Ed Comment; Of course there has been much criticism of the boarding by anti-environment ratbags, but if the Feds had done what almost all Australians want them to do...send a boat down there the incident may not have happened. Instead the Government criticises those that are prepared to take action, and waffle on about an "International court case" that just doesnt seem to happen. If women hadn't hit the streets pre 1926, protested and been arrested, women would not be able to vote today. Nor could the First People vote until 1962, until protest action forced the Governemts hand. Nothing good happens from Government without Protest action, it's been that for many decades, and will continue while we have Governments that put money, power, and their own interests before what the Community wants. *

Kangaroos

Bathurst Regional Council has confirmed there are no plans to cull kangaroos on Mount Panorama ahead of next month’s Bathurst 12 Hour. Bathurst Regional Council came under fire in 2009 for culling 140 kangaroos in the interest of track safety ahead of that year’s Bathurst 1000, although it was later cleared of any wrongdoing. Now the council has a policy of zero cullings and has turned to other methods of controlling the large kangaroo population on the mountain during race meetings. That’s good news for the dozens of roos that have been seen on the Mount just weeks out from the Bath-urst 12 Hour from February 24 to 26. Acting general manager Bob Roach yesterday said council would put in place a number of procedures to ensure the safety of drivers during the 12 Hour, including additional fencing and deploying extra staff to appropriate areas of the track to control the movement of kangaroos away from the circuit. “These staff stay in place for the duration of the race,” Mr Roach said. “That’s how we control them now.”

Meanwhile, council’s fauna management strategy should be released for public comment in the next couple of months. Dr Anne Kerle, who has been studying kangaroo behaviour on Mount Panorama, said the strategy aimed to ensure the survival of native species and allow for the continuation of human activities. She said she doesn’t believe the full range of strategies have been explored yet. Australian Society for Kangaroos president Nikki Sutterby yesterday said the organisation had been assured by council there would not be any more killing. “It’s good to see,” she said. “They said they will not use terminal means and we are hoping they stick to that commitment. “The local, national and international community were outraged by what happened. “The international community values these animals. “We hope the race organisers will work with the local council to ensure everyone is protected.” Ms Sutterby said Bathurst Regional Council’s policy of herding the kangaroos away from the track during races had certainly proved effective. *Western Advocate

Flying Foxes

Flying foxes have officially won the war in Charters Towers, claiming the town's historic park as their own. Charters Towers Mayor Ben Callcott has conceded defeat against the thousands of bats that invaded Lissner Park about 11 years ago and have since refused to leave. He said unless state legislation was changed, which prevented the council from interfering with the colony, the council had simply run out of options. Locals claim the bats are a major health hazard, fearing they may spread disease, and are fed up with living with the stench and noise from the colony, which now numbers about 15,000. Charters Towers Regional Council has been granted 15 damage mitigation permits by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) over the years, to disperse the bats using noise, fogging and lighting.

An attempt to muster the bats using a helicopter was scuttled late last year by the Civil Aviation and Safety Authority over safety concerns. The council has applied for a 16th permit to move the bats, but Cr Callcott said their best efforts had simply shifted the animals to other parts of the town, where they had become even more of a problem. ``Charters Towers City Council spent $250,000 harassing them and it didn't do anything other than distributing them into suburbia,'' Cr Callcott said. ``I'm not prepared to spend that kind of money to achieve the same ending. ``We may never get permission to muster them, so in that case, let them lodge in Lissner Park, where at least people can choose whether they get underneath them.
LNP leader Campbell Newman, who visited Charters Towers last year, promised the town ``the bats in Lissner Park will go''.

Cr Callcott said a law change was the only solution. ``The bats under the present legislation have defeated us,'' he said. Charters Towers Action Group Against Flying Foxes spokesman Jim Henderson, who lives near the park, said the bats were creating a health hazard and preventing locals and visitors from enjoying public facilities. ``Nobody wants to come into the park and sit under those tables,'' he said. Mr Henderson said residents' pleas to the State Government for help moving the flying foxes on had fallen upon deaf ears. ``They've ignored us and ignored us since I've been fighting it,'' he said. Vikki King, who lives opposite the colony, said she wanted the right to remove the bats from her own backyard. ``Three or four weeks ago, every tree was chock-a-block in my yard here,'' she said. ``The bat shit is everywhere and it just eats everything.'' *Townsville Bulletin

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is on the brink of another outbreak of the coral-devouring crown of thorns starfish and Cairns tourism operators are calling on the Federal Government to support their efforts to stop the pest. The starfish is the biggest threat to the Reef because they eat their size in coral cover every day – and some weigh as much as 80kg, executive director of the Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators, Col McKenzie, said. Hundreds of crown of thorns starfish have been found on reefs off Cairns, near Lizard Island, Green Island and Opal Reef off Port Douglas, he said. "We’re at the very start of another outbreak," Mr McKenzie said. "We want to get early action – if we don’t it will get worse." Australian Institute of Marine Science research director Dr Peter Doherty said conditions were ripe for another outbreak because major floods prompt increased spawning of crown of thorns starfish.

"We feel at this time there is a real and renewed threat of new outbreaks," he said. "We have certainly seen an abundance in the number of crown of thorns starfish in the Cairns sector of the Great Barrier Reef." Past outbreaks have started on reefs near Cairns and spread to the southern tip of the Reef, Dr Doherty said. There have been three major crown of thorns starfish outbreaks on the Great Barrier Reef in the past 40 years, he said. Another outbreak is particularly concerning because coral cover on the Reef is at its lowest point since the institute began keeping records in 1985. Mr McKenzie is drafting a letter to send to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke to request $1.2 million for an intensive three-year eradication program. Cairns tourism operators have invested $1.7 million since 2010 to fight the invasive species in collaboration with the State Government, which has contributed $2.5 million. The money has been used to train crown of thorns control divers, who injecting sodium bisulphate into the invasive pest to kill them. Cairns Post

Birds

Researchers are finding clues on how and why noisy miners work together to fend off threats to their colony. Dr Paul McDonald of the University of New England reports his findings on the birds (Manorina melanocephala) today in the journal Biology Letters. "Miners co-operate in lots of different ways. They feed offspring that aren't their own and they also co-operate to help mob predators," says McDonald. "If a raven comes into the colony they all work together to drive it away. We call that mobbing." Many animal societies show such behaviour but there is much to learn about how co-operation is co-ordinated, says McDonald. He says noisy miners appear to co-operate with each other regardless of whether they are related. This presents a bit of puzzle for biologists because evolutionary theory suggests an animal must get a benefit in return for the cost of helping others. "If you're helping relatives then you are essentially helping part of yourself - your own genes - and that tends to offset that cost. But if you are helping non-relatives then that benefit is not there," says McDonald.

He says one of the many hypotheses put forward to explain the evolution of co-operative behaviour is a 'tit-for-tat' system in which birds keep track of who helps them so they can help them back. But before hypotheses like this can be tested, the birds must first to be shown to have the ability to differentiate between individuals. McDonald tested wild birds in the lab using a technique pioneered on humans, for their ability to distinguish the calls for help from different birds. Each bird was played repeated recorded 'recruitment calls" from a first bird until they became habituated, that is, they stopped responding to the call by turning their head towards the speaker. They were then played a recording of a call from a second bird. In all cases the test birds responded to the second bird call, showing they could differentiate between the calls of the first and second bird.

The experiment involved 34 test birds, half of which were played calls from a bird from their area they were familiar with, and half of which were played calls from a completely unknown bird. "They were just as good at differentiating between the calls of new birds as the ones that they were familiar with," says McDonald. He says a second experiment confirmed the birds were using differences in bird call characteristics to differentiate between the calls. McDonald says he is yet to check whether the birds can attach different calls to particular individuals, but assuming they can, the findings show a potential mechanism that birds can use to co-operate. "To show that they are capable of differentiating calls - even of birds they've never heard before - is really quite new and exciting," he says. "It opens up the possibility of a whole range of different scenarios for organising that society." He says future genetic tests could also still determine that the birds preferentially help those they are closely related to, but help unrelated birds less frequently. This is known to be the case in a related species. *ABC

Snakes

Boa constrictors can sense the heartbeat of their quarry as they suffocate it, thus giving them the signal to know when the prey is dead, scientists say. In a study published on in the journal Royal Society Biology Letters, snake experts at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania pondered how the boa can tell when its target is lifeless and can then be swallowed.
Timing the constriction is vital for these snakes. Squeezing is a huge drain on their energy reserves, for their metabolic rate rises seven-fold during the operation. And while they are coiled around the prey, they themselves are vulnerable to other predators. The team used a clever idea, 'warm cadaveric rats', to monitor the boas. These were lab rats that had been humanely killed, frozen and then re-warmed to 38°cusing an electric blanket. The rodents' bodies were then fitted with two tiny gauges: a sensor to monitor external pressure and a replica heart, comprising a water-filled bulb that was connected by a tube to an external pump, which imitated a heartbeat. Primed for action, the hi-tech rats were placed within striking range of seven captive-born snakes which had never been exposed to live prey and nine wild-caught counterparts.

The herpetologists carried out three experiments, each time controlling the rat's fake heartbeat, to see how long the boa kept up its squeeze. When they shut off the heartbeat for 10 minutes, the snakes continued their constriction for another seven minutes or so and then released the rat, presuming it to be dead. But snakes confronted with a rat with a continuously beating heartbeat doubled the pressure and kept up the squeeze for around 22 minutes. This is a phenomenal achievement, and the longest ever observed for any snake, says the paper.
Rats without a heartbeat were constricted for about 12 minutes on average. But the snake notably did not adjust its coils or apply periodic bursts of pressure, as it did with rats with a beating heart. Overall, wild snakes were cannier about how long and how much to squeeze. "Our findings suggest that the ability to respond to a heartbeat is innate, whereas the magnitude of the response is guided by experience," says the study. "We suggest that the capacity to improve performance through learning enables snakes to become efficient predators of variable and unpredictable prey animals." *ABC/AFP

Hunting

Hunters would be allowed to shoot cats that stray from houses on to public land under a controversial plan being pushed by a Victorian gun group. The Sporting Shooters Association of Victoria wants the State Government to change the law to allow hunters to kill any cat it considers a risk to native fauna. The push to legally destroy family pets and feral cats is among a range of changes the group is seeking. They include new hunting seasons for cockatoos and galahs, the vulnerable crested pigeon and new regulations for slaying of eastern grey kangaroos. In a report requesting amendments to wildlife regulations, the association says destruction of native wildlife in Victorian forests could be "partly mitigated if there was a provision to destroy cats within specified distances of dwellings.

"Cats within 200 metres of dwellings or on public land should be considered a danger to native fauna. Such animals within these areas should be able to be legally destroyed," the report says. The cat killing push has angered animal rights groups and comes as Bendigo residents were warned last week to keep pets inside after threats on public notice boards vowing to trap cats after dark and tan their hides. Upper House Greens leader Greg Barber said the cat owners would be horrified shooters had their pets in their sites: " ... this shows they are out of touch with community values and they don't care about people because it would be absolutely devastating to people if they lost their cat in this way," he said. The report is expected to be given to the Baillieu Government mid-year. *News.com.au

Wildlife Bytes 16/1/12

Leading Story

Flying Foxes

The Qld Environment Department has issued its fourth permit in six months to allow people to break up flying fox camps, with the latest at Jericho in the west. It brings to reality a prediction in August by scientists and conservationists that the Government would cave in to community pressure on the vexing issue. Permits also have been issued to Gatton, Barcaldine and Gayndah. Environment Minister Vicky Darling yesterday gave permission to Barcaldine Regional Council to trim and cut down trees to stop flying foxes roosting in the township of Jericho. Up to 12,000 little red flying foxes previously lived in the roost adjacent to the Capricorn Highway but recently moved to a new roosting site on nearby Jordan Creek. The council will be allowed six months to carry out the work as long as flying foxes do not return to the site or use nearby areas. "In that time, the council must also prepare a long-term plan to manage vegetation at the roost to deter flying foxes from returning to the site," Ms Darling said.

"Living near flying fox roosts can be distressing and I am very sympathetic to residents' concerns. "The permit applies only to the vacated roost site and does not authorise the removal of vegetation at the Jordan Creek site." In August, about 30,000 little red flying foxes were moved from Barcaldine about 90km away. Although it is not known if these are the same animals, Griffith University wildlife expert Darryl Jones predicted then they would become someone else's problem. Queensland Conservation Council chairman Simon Baltais said the Environment Department was not addressing the root cause of the problem which was habitat clearing. Flying foxes arrived in Barcaldine after Cyclone Larry in 2008 and again after Cyclone Yasi last year. Ms Darling said flying foxes played a crucial role in the environment as pollinators of native plants and trees and were protected under the Nature Conservation Act. * Courier Mail

Editorial; Kangaroo Cigarette Packaging

The Australian government has lashed out at British American Tobacco for using images of kangaroos to sell its cigarettes in Europe. British American, which is battling the Australian government over moves toward plain packaging in Australia, is selling its Winfield brand overseas with a picture of a kangaroo on the front and a map of Australia on the back. It is also using the slogan "An Australian Favourite" and Attorney General Nicola Roxon, the former health minister, is not amused."I think many Australians are going to be outraged that a big tobacco company all the way round the world is using Australia's healthy lifestyle to market their deadly products," she said. And aren't they a bunch of hypocrites? We kill millions of kangaroos every year for dogs meat, but our government is "furious" that some someone wants to put a picture of a kangaroo on cigarette packaging. What about all the Australians that are furious over the kangaroo kill? Well, we just dont count, do we?

Kangaroo Petition

Last issue of WildIife Bytes we carried a story about the Police Officer who went kangaroo shooting near Gympie, and killed 20 or so kangaroos, many which had been considered "pets" by the locals, and some were even named. The Police Officer is a 42 year old senior officer who took a young teenager out with him in mid December to carry out this senseless attack. This officer, who reportedly killed these kangaroos, has been issued only with an "Infringement Notice," which amounts to a "slap on the wrist." However, in a response to our letter to the Qld Police Commissioner, he states that he (the Commissioner) is unable to comment further as the matter is still under investigation. He did say that the Matter has been referred to the Qld CMC, and the Police Ethical Standards Committee is also investigating. AWPC have set up a petition to get this Policeman properly tried in a court of law because in Australia if you shoot just one kangaroo without a Permit, a native protected species, there carries with it a $10,000 Australian dollar penalty per animal. This is not the first time police have been involved in such behavior either, we had a similar incident in WA a few years ago, and another incident in Central Queensland also. Police Officers need to set an example to the Community. The Petition can be found below, if you have time please sign it to make sure this behavior from our Police is deemed unacceptable. Also, as this has been referred to the CMC, we need people to contact them, asking if this matter contraves any other Act, such as the Qld Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 (ACPA) According to the ACPA, its likely that the offender committed acts of cruelty by leaving live young in dead mothers pouches which were found and picked up by horse riders the following day. * WPAA
Petition here http://www.change.org/petitions/mothers-and-babies-shot-down-by-australian-policeman
Contact the Qld Crime and Misconduct Commission here http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/about-us/contact-us Please take some action over this outrage.

Kangaroo Mafia

One of our WPAA Members was watching the Channel Nine Today show last week (1st week in January 2012) and this doctor (nutritionalist) was promoting kangaroo as a healthy meat to eat. She was actually promoting it as the only meat to eat!! Did not promote fish, or even lean meat, or poultry, or vegetables! So our Member wrote to her, and received a very silly response. So we built a webpage with all the details, and we thought our other Readers might like to follow up with a response too?? Her address details are online here .....
Read more, its the third story on the Page Map, called "Kangaroo meat can Kill You!!" ....... http://www.kangaroo-protection-coalition.com/page-map.html

Gladstone Harbor

Controversial dredging in Gladstone's disease-hit harbour has been stopped by the State Government. The Department of Environment and Natural Resource Management issued the order on Monday because of dirty water conditions. Last year's wet season flooding has been blamed by the harbour's operator Gladstone Ports Corporation for diseases in fish. Greens spokesman Andrew Jeremijenko yesterday said it now was apparent the corporation was unable to comply with environmental conditions during normal seasonal high tides. "They are turning a once-clean harbour into a mud pit," Dr Jeremijenko said. "The harbour has been changed by this dredging project. They've had high (turbidity) readings for 21 out of the past 100 days when it should be one out of 100. "We'll see these problems in Gladstone every time we get big tides. We'll see it next month and in March and that's when the barramundi will be coming out to spawn." *Courier Mail
Read more .. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/dredging-halted-over-fears-at-dirty-water/story-e6freoof-1226241228730

Frogs

With voices hardly louder than an insect's buzz, the tiniest frogs ever discovered are smaller than a coin and hop about the rainforest of the tropical island of Papua New Guinea, US scientists say. Not only are Paedophryne amauensis and Paedophryne swiftorum the smallest frogs known, they are also the smallest vertebrates, said the report in the science journal PLoS ONE. The little land frog Paedophryne amauensis comes in at 7.7 millimetres. The Paedophryne swiftorum measures a bit over eight millimetres. Previously the smallest vertebrate was believed to be a transparent Indonesian fish known as Paedocypris progenetica, averaging eight millimetres. "It was particularly difficult to locate Paedophryne amauensis due to its diminutive size and the males' high-pitched insect-like mating call," said Louisiana State University scientist Chris Austin, who discovered them. "But it's a great find. The ecosystems these extremely small frogs occupy are very similar, primarily inhabiting leaf litter on the floor of tropical rainforest environments," Austin said. "We believe these creatures aren't just biological oddities, but instead represent a previously undocumented ecological guild - they occupy a habitat niche that no other vertebrate does." In fact, judging by the frequency of male mating calls they heard, Austin said the tiny frogs might be spaced as close as 50 centimetres from each other on ground beneath the leaves. *Age

Dingoes

Ray Revill runs the Fraser Coast TESS Wildlife sanctuary in Maryborough, and he says that the dingo pups have taken to their new home very easily. "We got them when they were around seven months old, and they're very fun loving animals. "It was a big coup for Queensland and the region to obtain the first two legally bred and registered dingos; they're microchipped, vaccinated, wormed, they get everything a domestic dog gets. "I trust them more than I would a domestic dog, that's my personal opinion."
Read more ... http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/12/12/3389272.htm

Sugar Gliders

A Hollywood woman, using Facebook in a unique way, was charged Tuesday with breeding sugar gliders - small possums native to Australia - and attempting to sell the exotic animals on Facebook. Amy Young Lynn, 39, was busted with eight sugar gliders by undercover state Fish and Game officials. Authorities say undercover officials responded to Lynn's Facebook ad offering the animals for $400 a pair. The animals were seized and transported to a wildlife preserve. Sugar gliders are small possums native to Australia that have the ability to soar more than 400 feet through the air on wing-like membranes that stretch between their front and hind legs. They are bred and allowed as pets in many places in the United States, but they are banned as pets in California, as well as in Australia, as a deterrent to the common practice of taking them from the wild. How did Lynn obtain the animals? Prosecutors say two sugar gliders were gifted to her at a party; the animals later reproduced. Lynn had been charged with eight counts of unlawful possession and attempted sale of a restricted species. If convicted, she could serve up to four years in jail and a $8,000 fine. *Liast.com

Black Swans

People are used to seeing swans swimming about on the river Severn at Upton, UK< but a few heads were turned when this rare black swan floated into town this week. The striking species is native to Australia and, despite being popular with wildlife parks and private collectors, has never flourished in the wild in this country. This photo was taken by Upton resident Jackie Surtees, who had heard that it had been spotted on the river. She said: “When I went down to the river on Wednesday morning I noticed the resident swans coming out of the marina. “A while later I noticed them coming upriver being chased by the visitor.” Steve Bloomfield, a conservation officer with Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, said it was a “notable occurrence.” He said: “Up until early 2000 there had only been about 40 or 50 sightings in the wild, and although the most recent survey recorded way more than that they are still reasonably scarce. “I would think that, without question, this is one that has escaped from a local wildlife site or, more likely, a private collection.” He said that it could well have been at large in the countryside for some time. He said: “Although they have never really successfully bred in the wild, they are very capable of looking after themselves.” *UK Mail

Turtles

If you would like to watch a video showing the brutality of the some Indigenous turtle hunting, go here ... http://youtu.be/uQKEh4HPnhI Everyone should see this, and it must stop! In spite of strong lobbying during the last 10 years or so, the current Queensland Government has consistently refused to include Indigenous hunting under the Qld Animal Cruelty Act. Whats happening in this video is perfectly legal, and it must stop!

Emerging Wildlife Viruses

A pilot study reported online this week in the journal PLoS ONE reveals how scientists found evidence of potentially dangerous viruses, including retroviruses and herpesviruses, in bushmeat and other wildlife products smuggled into the US. The report authors say the study shows the importance of establishing proper surveillance and testing of imported wildlife products in order to assess the potential risks they pose to public health. The products had been confiscated at several US international airports, including John F. Kennedy International Airport, George Bush Intercontinental-Houston and Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International. Among the items confiscated were raw to semi-cooked parts of baboon, chimpanzee, other non-human primates such as mangabey, guenon and green monkey, and various rodent species, including cane rat and rat.The authors note in their introduction that although we know that the global trade in wildlife has contributed to the emergence and spread of many infectious diseases, and the US is the world's largest importer of wildlife and wildlife products, it has "minimal pathogen surveillance", which makes it virtually impossible to assess the risks to public health posed by this practice. Research estimates that 75% of emerging infectious diseases in humans originate from contact with wildlife, and these diseases are transmitted through human-animal interactions inherent in the global wildlife trade. * Medical News Today
Read more ... http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240221.php

Climate Change

As climate change alters the temperatures of reptile habitats around the globe, tests of one lizard species suggests warmer nests could make some reptiles smarter. When researchers incubated the eggs of Bassiana duperreyi, a mountain-dwelling Australian skink, at warmer-than-usual temperatures, they grew up to perform especially well on a learning task. Herpetologists knew reptiles incubated in warmer nests developed differently, but linking hotter egg temperatures to increased intelligence is a first. “We have 16 to 17 years of data on the effects of incubation temperature on skinks. We know the hotter guys are bigger, faster, absorb more [egg] yolk,” said herpetologist Joshua Amiel of the University of Sydney, whose research was published Jan. 11 in Biology Letters. “But hardly anyone has given a look at the effect on reptile learning.” Wired.com
Read more .. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/01/warmer-lizard-intelligence/

Become a Wildlife Warrior

By making a one-off donation or joining our monthly giving program you can become part of a global wildlife force that is working hard to preserve our natural environment. Monthly Giving Program; Sign up to become a regular giver for wildlife conservation! Donations start from as little as $2.50 a week and can go to helping our native wildlife at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Nearly 100 wildlife emergency calls are received every day at the Hospital, Up to 30 different species are admitted to the hospital every day, Currently around 80 koalas undergoing treatment, Approximately 70% of patients are victims of car accidents or domestic pet attacks, The cost to treat one animal ranges from $100 to thousands of dollars To sign up or find out more please visit http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au *

Landclearing

Australia is still clearing about one million hectares of native forests and woodlands a year, resulting in a ''massive loss'' of wildlife and plant diversity, a leading environmentalist says. Stuart Blanch, a river systems ecologist appointed by the former Rudd government as a member of its Northern Land and Water Taskforce, has called for a shake-up of Australia's national reserve system to ''ratchet up'' protection of forests and tropical savanna woodlands and ''build a carbon storehouse''. Dr Blanch, the director of the Northern Territory's environment centre, wants the area of Australia's national parks and reserves to be more than doubled, from 12 per cent to 25 per cent. He has also stressed the need for a ''giant T-shaped corridor'' of protected areas in Australia's north, stretching across the Top End's tropical savannas, and '' forming a spine right down through the centre of Australia to protect our arid zone ecosystems''. Reaad More ... http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/national/national/general/landclearing-limits-urged/2418734.aspx

AZWH Patient of the Week...Button the Swamp Wallaby

Age: Juvenile Sex: Male Transported to: The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by his licensed wildlife carer Helen, who had been raising Button after being orphaned. Veterinary Assessment: Dr Claude assessed Button and found that his little stomach was severely bloated. He was also suffering from bad case of gas and diarrhoea, though pathology tests cleared him of any infectious disease. Button the Swamp Wallaby Treatment: Some medical treatments attempted to resolve the bloat were unsuccessful, so Dr Claude performed an exploratory laparotomy and found that Button’s small intestines were a little tangled (intussusception), which she corrected. Dr Claude also aspirated excess air, and administered pain
relief and fluids. Future: Button is currently feeding on grasses and milk formula, and is under close observation in the Nursery ICU. He will remain in care until he is old enough for release back into the wild. AZWH Statistic: Summer is our busiest time of year for orphans, with over 275 admitted in the last two months alone. Visit our website http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au to donate to sick and orphaned wildlife like Button.

Kangaroos

A kangaroo was tied to the back of a car and dragged for at least two kilometres through suburban streets in Victoria's north in a stunt that has outraged police. The dead kangaroo was found lying in a pool of blood in the middle of High Street in Wodonga about 3.35am with a rope tied around its neck and paw. Acting Senior Sergeant Larry Goldsworthy, from Wodonga Police, said it was unclear whether the adolescent kangaroo was alive or dead when it was dragged behind the vehicle. Officers discovered a two-kilometre trail of blood and fur leading to where the carcass was found by a passerby. "I think the community has every right to be outraged at the behaviour of the people involved in this," Acting Senior Sergeant Goldsworthy said. "The kangaroo had a rope tied around its forearm and neck. "There was a pool of blood, missing skin and fur and when police drove around the surrounding area they found some of its internal organs on the road. "We don't know whether the kangaroo was alive or dead at the time."

Police are examining CCTV footage from surrounding streets to see if the culprits were caught on camera. Acting Senior Sergeant Goldsworthy said it was possible the offenders may have bragged about their brutal act online. "Potentially the offender may have filmed it and put it on Facebook. They could be bragging about it to their friends. Anyone with information should contact police," he said. Police said the offenders could be charged with aggravated animal cruelty if the animal was found to be alive when it was tied to the car and dragged along. The maximum penalty for that charge is two years in prison or a $60,000 fine. Anyone with information has been urged to call Wodonga Police on (02) 6049 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au * Age


An Albury man was charged late last night over the horrific death and dragging of a kangaroo through the streets of Wodonga on Wednesday. Police revealed early this morning that the man, 19, was arrested after members of the public found references to the incident on Facebook and that reports in The Border Mail also led to people contacting Wodonga police. Police said the man had been charged with aggravated cruelty on a kangaroo. They said the man was alleged to have intentionally driven over the kangaroo and then killed it by kicking it. Police said the man also allegedly killed the kangaroo’s joey “in inhumane circumstances”. “No doubt, the matter was resolved quickly because of the assistance we gained from the public,” Sen-Sgt Damian Bould said. “We would still like to speak with any other members of the public who may have information.”

Police said the investigation was ongoing, with another man believed to have been in the vehicle at the time. The charged man is to appear before the Wodonga Magistrates Court next month. A woman walking past found the kangaroo dumped near the Westpac Bank in High Street, Wodonga, on Wednesday at 3.30am. It had been left with a rope tied around its neck and arm, while its fur and skin had been grazed from its body. The kangaroo’s neck was cut and it was face down on the pavement. The remnants of the roo left a 30-metre trail down Wodonga’s main street. Heavy rain had failed to remove a visible trail marking where the kangaroo had been dragged through the city. The other signs of the kangaroo being dragged were in Holmes Court, De Kerilleau Drive, and Lawrence Street. * Border Mail

Monitor Lizards

Frequent hunting of Malacca's giant monitor lizards for their skin and meat as well as their body liquid for aphrodisiac purposes, could drive the reptile to extinction. “Fifteen years ago, these reptiles could be easily spotted lazing along the river bank of scenic Malacca River. Now, they are hard to come by,” said city councillor Ronald Gan Yong Hoe. “In some countries, monitor lizards are protected under Endangered Species Acts. We hope the state government will move to conserve our local reptiles,” the member of the Malacca Historic City Council said. “If nothing is done, the extensive poaching of this reptile could lead to its extinction,” he said. Gan said the local monitor lizards, known locally as biawak, are large water monitor species (varanussalvator) capable of growing up to three metres long and 25 kilos in weight. He said that apart from their skin and meat, the reptlie was sought for a liquid from its body that was commonly believed to increase sexual prowess in both men and women.

Gan said the reptile's thick and leathery skin was used for clothing accessories, such as bags and belts, while its meat was said to have healing powers for ailments such as asthma and pneumonia besides increasing sexual prowess. He said that besides poaching, the reptiles were often exposed to other risks, such as being hit by vehicles when crossing roads. On a more positive note, Gan said a father and daughter from Australia, who dubbed themselves as Biawak Dundees, were rescuing and treating injured monitor lizards here. Gan added that following a proposal by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam, the state government has made lizard- watching one of the features of the Malacca River cruise. Meanwhile, mayor Zainal Abu said poaching activities along the river bank has declined due to continuous patrols by the council's enforcement officers. However, he added, there could still be some hunting upstream and it was up to the state Wildlife and National Parks Department to curtail such activity. * The Star

Dingo Killing

The art of hunting wild dogs appears to be well and truly alive in the Bymount region, north of Roma, where local landowner, Danny Sutton (pictured), has single-handedly destroyed more than 100 wild dogs in the past six months. Mr Sutton has handed over 97 scalps to the Maranoa Regional Council since the start of July 2011. He also shot several more wild dogs from a helicopter that were not recovered, bringing his total for the past six months to over 100. Widely respected for his trapping and shooting abilities, Mr Sutton believes his tally is just the tip of the iceberg. "The dogs are everywhere now and what I've got is just a fraction of what's out there," he said. "About 75pc of those dogs were shot within a 20km radius of here."Queensland Country Life caught up with Mr Sutton at his 2270-hectare property, Freshfields, 20km west of Bymount and 90km north of Roma.

Together with his wife Donna, Mr Sutton runs a cattle operation on the property, but heads out to hunt for pups and dogs whenever he has the time. He learned the art of trapping and tracking dogs from other local landholders including Les Ridge and Garry Lee. Mr Sutton said his recent tally included around 65 pups caught in the local area. "I used to trap a lot of dogs but it can be a full-time job, and I just don't get the time now," he said. "I generally start looking for pups around July all you can do is go out and look for their tracks and try to follow them. "You can waste whole days or you can find them in 15 minutes. "Whenever I get a spare few hours I jump on the bike and go looking." Mr Sutton's talent for destroying wild dogs will no doubt put him in contention for the inaugural Golden Dogger Awards in 2012.

An initiative of the Maranoa Regional Wild Dog Advisory Group, the awards aim to reward people within the Maranoa region who present scalps for the $50 bounty from January 1 to December 31, 2012. The awards will include categories such as Golden Dogger, Inside Dogger, Outside Dogger, Novice Dogger, Junior Dogger, Most Active Landholder Inside the Fence, Most Active Landholder Outside the Fence and Most Active Kangaroo Shooter. Mr Sutton is a member of the Maranoa Wild Dog Advisory Committee and believes more landholders need to take responsibility for the growing number of wild dogs throughout western Queensland. "We need to do something to encourage more people to actively hunt for dogs," he said.
"I don't think increasing the bounty for anyone who catches the odd dog is the solution it needs to be a system where people are encouraged to get a large number of dogs. "These dogs must be doing damage to cattle herds now, too we are constantly hearing stories about people finding dead calves these days." *Qld Country Life

Animal Politics in the ACT

If you live in the ACT why should you join the Animal Justice Party? The election in the ACT will be held in 2012. The AJP need more ACT members by this February. A minimum of 100 are needed in order to be included in the election. This number has not been reached yet. Please become a member of this important political party ASAP. Let your acquaintances, friends and family know about this and urge them to join. It would be fantastic to have the AJP running in the local election this year! The Membership form is online, and can be posted to AJP po box 3126 Blakehurst NSW 2221 or if you wish can be scanned and emailed to info@animaljusticeparty.org Australia's largest kangaroo meat processor says the long awaited resumption of trade with Russia and China could take place within the next six months. http://www.animaljusticeparty.org/join-us/

Ed comment; The ACT Greens are undoubtably the most despicable political Party in Australia. They entered the ACT Parliament through a deal with the then Chief Minister John Stanhope, who was responsible for the ongoing slaughter of thousands of kangaroos around Canberra. The ACT Greens support the slaughter, and in spite of much community opposition, they still do. Some of the ACT kangaroo experts tried to talk some sense into them, but they made a deal to get into Government, and continue to support the killing. If you live in Canberra please support the Animal Justice Party so they can get a Candidate into the next ACT election. They need more Members before February 2012. Join Now! http://http://www.animaljusticeparty.org/join-us/

Another Kangaroo Industry Beatup

Beginning as a supplier for the pet food market in the early 1980s, South Australia-based Macro Meats supplies about 100 tonnes of kangaroo meat for human consumption every week to more than 2500 supermarkets across Australia. Managing director Ray Borda said the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) would meet with Russian trade officials in Berlin on January 16, where trade resumption was expected to be discussed. Mr Borda, who also serves as Kanga-roo Industry Association of Australia president, said while he expected the Russian Government to again request to inspect major Australian plants before giving trade the green light, he hoped an an-nouncement would be made before the end of the financial year. "The Russians asked the Australians to take part in the meeting. It is the first time since the roo ban that we have seen a positive move by the Russians, so we are all very hopeful," he said. He said AQIS was similarly preparing a document which he expected to be lodged with the Chinese Government in the coming weeks and which refuted the "baseless claims" of anti-kangaroo industry protest groups.

The Chinese Government became reluctant to import kangaroo product last year following a backlash from its decision to import seal meat from Canada and a sustained protest campaign from animal rights activists in Australia. "There is a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel ? the Federal Government is putting together a factual report to be presented to the Chinese to prove there are no animal welfare issues and the allegations coming from activists are untrue," he said. "The Russian market has also been going without kangaroo meat for three years and yet our Russian customers are still asking for it. There is more than enough demand internationally for the Australian roo industry." However, he that warned increasing international trade, even with major markets, was not without its difficulties.

He said he was concerned that the expanding kangaroo populations and big increases in harvest quotas could encourage the industry to rapidly lift production, causing an oversupply of kangaroo meat in international marketplace, which would drive prices down. He said this would set a "dangerous" precedent that would threaten the long- term sustainability of the industry. "There are more kangaroos out there than we've ever seen in history but we are still waiting on the Chinese and Russian markets to get started," he said. "Consistency is the key to our industry. We could all go out and try to sell the big supply levels we have now but we would have to sell it at a price far too low to be sustainable. It is crucial we pick up one of those two markets because gives us a greater capacity without having to prostitute our price." Whereas the wider kangaroo meat industry had struggled since the closure of the Russian trade in 2009, Mr Borda said his company has seen 25 percent annual growth in retail sales of kangaroo meat in recent years, mostly through the domestic market.

Mr Borda said the Russian trade only accounted for about 10percent of his business prior to its suspension. He said Macro Meats had taken an "under the radar" approach to marketing domestically, using the proven health strengths of the product to target health conscious consumers, including providing information and recipes to dieticians and weight loss companies. "To market kangaroo meat is not something that is easy," he said. "We spend a lot of money defending ourselves against animal activists who make silly accusations with no basis of fact. The animal activists don't want anyone to eat meat at all, but kangaroos are an especially easy target because of the general public's lack of knowledge on the issue. "Kangaroo meat for human consumption is still very much in its infancy. We have only been eating it for 15 years in this country. When you think people have been eating beef and pork for thousands of years, you are not going to be able to change that tradition overnight." *Stock and Land

Wildlfie Bytes 9/1/12

IMPORTANT RALLY INVITATION, please share widely .

A Wildlife rally for dugongs and sea turtles is to be held in Brisbane, and all native animal/marine groups are invited to the rally. The rally in Brisbane is held under Earthrace Conservation Australia banner .
http://www.earthraceconservation.org/videos/earthrace-and-us-campaign-protect-australias-dugongs-and-sea-turtlesmp4

It is one of three Earthrace Rallys being held in 2012. One in London January 19th, One in new Zealand 20th January, And one in Brisbane Feb 14th . The Rallys are designed to embarrass our governments on dugong and turtle hunting, and also to highlight what the existing government or the incoming government needs to do to help our wildlife causes. Earthrace have invited a lot of animal groups, including Fraser Island dingoes, Koala groups, Wildlife Protection Association of Australia Inc., and Opposition members of the LNP will speak at the rally at our invitation. Bob Irwin will be there in person.

Fruit bats, cassowaries, koalas, kangaroos, wombats, marine conservation, etc. will be represented. The speakers have a strict 5 minute grab to say what they want on their own issue. Only one from each group will be able to speak. So one flying fox group speaker, one cassowary group speaker, and so on, but if time permits they will extend it. No one will be able to bring an animal. It will be Tuesday February 14th, during the parliamentary lunch break 1 PM to 2.30 PM on Speakers Corner outside the Old Parliament. Media has been arranged including the discovery channel, but feel free to do your own. If interested let me know as ONLY ONE PERSON FROM EACH ANIMAL GROUP WILL GET TO SPEAK. To participate you must contact either of the persons below
Contact is to director of operations Alan Winstanley alan@earthrace.net or ColinwhoCares at dugongman@gmail.com 0427632208

Kangaroo Shooting

A police officer responsible for the mass shooting of kangaroos on a Booral property could be hit with a $200,000 fine. Yesterday, the Chronicle received information that the Gympie officer, who opened fire on more than 20 kangaroos on land backing onto Wheeley Rd, did not have the required permits. Fines of up to $10,000 for each dead kangaroo could apply. A Department of Environment spokesman said the investigation was in the hands of Queensland Police. While little more than the line "investigations are continuing" has come from police headquarters, the Chronicle has not received a phone call from anyone in senior ranks defending the officer's behaviour. The Chronicle is still awaiting a response to a number of concerns raised by witnesses at the scene, involving the firearm used and the shooter's behaviour towards residents and other officers. A police spokeswoman said she could not comment on specifics while the investigation was still under way.
Roo Rules.....Both recreational and commercial shooters require a DERM permit. New applicants must complete a TAFE course and firearms competency test. A $10,000 fine can apply for every kangaroo killed without a permit. *Fraser Coast Chronicle


Meanwhile the Age reports that the Queensland senior constable could face disciplinary action after being served with an infringement notice over the killing of more than 20 kangaroos on a south-east Queensland property. Horse riders stumbled on the carcasses on a property at Booral, near Hervey Bay, last month. Some joeys were shot at point-blank range, and only one of the three young that survived the shooting could be saved. Kangaroos are protected animals. It is an offence to kill one without a permit, and carries fines of up to $10,000 per kangaroo. The 42-year-old man has been issued with an infringement notice for contravening the Nature Conservation Act, police say. A 16-year-old boy charged with the same offence is being dealt with under the Youth Justice Act. *AAP


A western Queensland kangaroo harvester says roo shooters have stopped working because they cannot sell their product. Amby-based Tom Garrett says he has been notified by a major company they will not be buying any more kangaroos until further notice due to an oversupply. Mr Garrett says no-one is too sure what has caused the oversupply or how long it will take to clear product. Russia banned roo exports in 2009 and the industry has been struggling since. Mr Garrett says the latest setback is a concern. "We still have no large market for export kangaroo for manufacturing meat," he said. "Two-thirds of manufacturing meat or more went to Russia. "Processors just can't afford to store that amount of meat if they can't find markets for it, then their profits lessens and so their only alternative I suppose is to cut back on production until they can find other markets." Mr Garrett says no-one is sure when harvesting will resume. "At least one of the companies, and the company that I deal with has told us that they have an oversupply of kangaroos at the moment and to stop purchasing animals from the paddock," he said. "In other words, shooters will stop shooting animals and the box operators will stop buying from shooters. "Then we received another message from them saying no more purchases until further notice." He says rural families who depend on the industry will struggle until harvesting resumes. "The ones I've heard from are very nervous about it," he said. "I wouldn't have thought this year that there would have been as many people renew their licences, but all indications are that licences have been renewed as normal, tags have been bought as normal, and everyone is ready to go out and harvest. "But of course they can't because they can't get rid of their product." The company, Game Meat Processors, has declined to comment. *ABC


The number of kangaroos available for harvesting in Queensland has risen by 63 per cent on last year's figures. Permits for the killing of more than 3 million kangaroos will be available in 2012. John Kelly, the executive officer of the Kangaroo Industry Association of Australia, says recent weather conditions have meant the population of kangaroos across Australia have swelled to about 35 million. "The industry isn't in the best position it's been in, but there's fairly good prospects coming for this year," he said. Mr Kelly also says he expects the Russian and Chinese markets to open up this year, giving a much needed boost to the industry. "I'd expect to see us back into the Russian market during the first half of this year, and I'm also quite confident that at some stage this year we'll get into the Chinese market." Russia banned imports of kangaroo meat in 2009. Mr Kelly's confidence comes amid concerns out of western Queensland that the industry is struggling, with some shooters claiming there's no market for their product. "I don't think they have any reason to be nervous; this is an industry with an extremely bright future," he said. "I expect the next five to 10 years to be a very exciting time in the kangaroo industry." *ABC
Ed Comment; Not such a very exciting time if you are a kangaroo........

Bushmeat of the Sea

They may be man's best underwater friend but more dolphins are being killed for food than ever before. The eating of sea mammals - including seals, sea lions and walruses - is becoming increasingly popular in poor nations across the world. Fishermen struggling to make ends meet, because of a fall in coastal fish catches, are being forced to turn to the more meaty alternatives. Martin Robards, of Alaska's Wildlife Conservation Society, conducted the study of 900 sources after only hearing anecdotal stories about the phenomenon.
He said: 'This is essentially a bushmeat problem. It is now clear that human consumption of marine mammals is geographically widespread, taxonomically diverse, and often of uncertain sustainability.'
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082195/Dolphin-sandwich-Eating-sea-mammals-rise-fall-fish-sees-fishermen-struggling-make-ends-meet.html#ixzz1iuO0aaUY

Flying Foxes

A western Queensland mayor says the State Government is ignoring the will of residents in his shire who support culling flying foxes. Mount Isa Mayor John Molony has asked the State Government to make the city exempt from current legislation aimed at protecting flying foxes. He says the bats need to be culled because there is nowhere to move them. Environment Minister Vicky Darling has described that solution as "cruel". Councillor Molony says she is out of touch with residents who recently held a rally in support of a cull. "If I am so bloody wicked, why were the other people - the 100-odd people in Banks Crescent - singing from the same page as I was the other day?" he said. Councillor Molony says flying fox numbers have reached "plague proportions" in the city, but Ms Darling disputes that claim. *ABC

Dingoes

Australian health authorities are watching with alarm the spread of rabies through nearby Indonesia, fearful that the lethal virus could be brought into remote northern Australia by illegal fishing boats. Rabies appeared in Bali in 2008, where it has since killed more than 130 people, and has spread through 24 of Indonesia's 33 provinces. It has now appeared on the island of Pulau Larat, 600km north of Darwin, causing 19 deaths in 2010. Worldwide, it kills about 55,000 people a year. The federal Quarantine Inspection Service said the virus was endemic throughout much of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. "Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Pacific Island nations are free of endemic rabies, but it must be remembered that this can change at any time," the department said. *NZ Herald
Read more ... http://www.nzherald.co.nz/health/news/article.cfm?c_id=204&objectid=10776794

Bugs and Creepy Crawlies

One of the best small insect websites we have seen can be found here ... http://lifeunseen.com/index1.php The webmaster is an amateur photographer who has filed over 5000 of his photos of small insects on the website. Most of them are named, and there is some very good information provided about them. As he points out, without the humble ant, wasp, bug or spider, the world as we know it can not exist. *WPAA

Kookaburras

A young kookaburra was taken into the RSCPA Wacol office on Thursday after he was found with severe damage to his wings and tail feathers. Wildlife nurse Jess Vincent says it looked like someone may have tried to keep Chopper as a pet and "severely mutilated" his primary and secondary feathers to stop him from flying. She said it was a common occurrence for people to take wild animals that were injured or lost, thinking they were helping them. "It's done with good intentions but they are actually not helping at all," she said. "They're wild animals, they should not be turned into pets. We'd like people to know that. If you find an injured animal or a young bird, bring them to us or return them to their nests." She said while he had not been doing any "kookaburra laugh" calls, he was reportedly chirpy and bright despite the injuries. Chopper went into foster care yesterday afternoon and will have to undergo about six months of rehabilitation. *Courier mail

Genetically Altered Monkeys

US researchers say they have created the world's first genetically modified monkeys by fusing cells from up to six different embryos, in what could be a big advance for medical research. Until now, rodents have been the primary creatures used to make chimeras, a lab animal produced by combining two or more fertilised eggs or early embryos together. Scientists have long been able to create "knock-out" mice with certain genes deleted in order to study a host of ailments and remedies, including obesity, heart disease, anxiety, diabetes and Parkinson's disease. Attempts to do the same with more complicated primates have failed in the past, but scientists in the western state of Oregon succeeded by altering the method used to make mice. *Age
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/animals/worlds-first-genetically-modified-monkeys-created-20120106-1pncx.html#ixzz1icjx27ML
Ed Comment; How disgusting is that?

Mystery Kangaroo

Motorists cruising along Boat Harbour Drive in Hervey Bay were startled yesterday by the sight of an adult kangaroo dead on the side of the road. The animal showed no signs of trauma, which only added to the mystery. A spokewoman for an animal welfare group blamed ongoing residential development for forcing the animal into an urban centre, where it would have become confused and terrified. "The problem is that their habitat is being taken over by development," Fraser Coast treasurer of the Wildlife Preservation Society Carol Bussey said. "It is becomeing more of a problem in our area especially with development in Eli Waters and Point Vernon and in the neighbourhood of the Hervey Bay Hospital. "These developments are pushing the kangaroos out. Static roo populations are found on the Hervey Bay golf course and on the fringes of the city, but there have been recent sightings in Main St and residents on Torquay Rd have also reported kangaroos infiltrating their back gardens. * Fraser Coast Chronicle

Honey Bees

Northern California scientists say they have found a possible explanation for the honey bee die-off: a parasitic fly that hijacks the bees' bodies and causes them to abandon hives. The symptoms mirror colony collapse disorder, in which all the adult honey bees in a colony suddenly disappear. The disorder continues to decimate hives in the US and overseas. The disease is of great concern, because bees pollinate about a third of the United States' food supply. Its presence is especially alarming in California, the nation's top producer of fruits and vegetables, where bees play an essential role in the $US2 billion ($1.9 billion) almond industry and other crops. * Age
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/parasitic-fly-may-explain-bee-deaths-20120105-1pmgv.html#ixzz1iciViCfP

AZWH First Patient of the Week 2012, Ball the Channel-billed Cuckoo

An adult female Channel-billed Cuckoo was found being attacked by crows at Meridan Plains about 7.30pm, likely because she was close to their nest. She was transported to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by the concerned resident who rescued and named her Ball. Dr Amber found some bruising on Ball’s legs, but no other wounds or obvious fractures. X-rays revealed quite a surprise - a fully developed egg ready to pop out! Dr Amber administered Ball injectable calcium, pain relief and fluids, and kept her nice and warm in the Birds ICU for observation overnight. Ball was released back to where she was found the following day, with high hopes she will find a safe spot to lay her egg. AZWH Statistic: The AZWH has treated 17 channel-billed cuckoos over the past 8 years, a small number due largely to the species’ migratory patterns over the northern parts of Australia. The species naturally lay their eggs in other birds’ nests. *

Boyne River Fish Kill

The Queensland Greens say another fish kill in central Queensland could have been caused by dredging, despite the State Government all but ruling it out. The Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) is at a loss to explain what killed seven decomposing barramundi examined by its officers in the Boyne River on Tuesday. Departmental officers travelled there to investigate commercial fisherman Chris Sipp's report of about 15 dead barramundi in the river. DERM director-general Jim Reeves said the fish bodies were decomposed and had probably been there for at least three days. One showed signs of a skin lesion. Because of their decomposed state it wasn't possible to take samples of the fish to find out what killed them, Mr Reeves said. Water samples of the Boyne River taken by DERM on the day found nothing out of the ordinary. *Courier Mail
Read more .. http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/dredging-blamed-by-greens-for-another-fish-kill-in-boyne-river/story-e6freon6-1226236801968

Fireworks

Thousands of dead blackbirds rained down on a town in Louisiana last New Year's Eve after revellers set off fireworks that spooked them from their roost. And US officials reported a similar occurrence in Arkansas on Saturday as 2012 approached. Police said dozens of blackbirds had fallen dead, prompting officers to ban residents from shooting fireworks on Saturday night. It wasn't immediately clear if fireworks were again to blame, but authorities weren't taking a chance. Meanwhile in Australia millions of dollars were wasted in every State as the Government's addiction to fireworks displays continued. We've heard that the Sydney fireworks alone cost $6 million! One man was killed by an exploding firecracker, and several injured. Pet animals cower in terror, wildlife panicks, and our essential services like health, police, education remain stretched for money. Just getting a bed in a public hospital requires that one must be dead, or nearly dead. Time to stop the stupid fireworks displays and put the money where it is needed. *WPAA

Roadkill

A roadside memorial for millions of native animals that have died on Tasmania's roads has been given a thumbs-up from animal welfare supporters. Tasmanian wildlife advocates yesterday said they would favour one or two monuments that drew attention to wildlife road trauma. Bonorong Wildlife Park director Greg Irons said a memorial could be a way of jolting Tasmanians' awareness to the horrors suffered by hundreds of thousands of animals injured and left to die on roads. Claire Fryer, Asia Pacific campaign co-ordinator for Animal Rights organisation PETA, suggested a mural depicting the type and number of animals killed. Mr Irons said Tasmanians were becoming desensitised. His business supports a volunteer network of animal rescuers and animal carers in southern Tasmania. Mr Irons said motorists could help to mitigate it by driving at 80km/h instead of 100km/h on main roads after dark.
"It is a massive welfare issue. People think they are powerless to do anything, but slowing down helps," he said. Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania co-ordinator Chris Simcox said resources were needed for public education. He said the State Government could help by adding wildlife safety to the licence test process. And road-kill estimates of 293,000 animals a year, by the science-based website roadkilltas.com, appeared low. The Bonorong-Friends of Carers hotline for a wildlife emergency is 6268 1184. *Mercury

Become a Wildlife Warrior

By making a one-off donation or joining our monthly giving program you can become part of a global wildlife force that is working hard to preserve our natural environment. Monthly Giving Program; Sign up to become a regular giver for wildlife conservation! Donations start from as little as $2.50 a week and can go to helping our native wildlife at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Nearly 100 wildlife emergency calls are received every day at the Hospital, Up to 30 different species are admitted to the hospital every day, Currently around 80 koalas undergoing treatment, Approximately 70% of patients are victims of car accidents or domestic pet attacks, The cost to treat one animal ranges from $100 to thousands of dollars To sign up or find out more please visit http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au *

Wild Pigs

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman said feral pigs caused considerable environmental damage and the service considered their control to be a high priority. "Feral pigs are a declared pest and have been recognised as a key threatening process to biodiversity at a national and state level because of the impact they cause from predation, habitat degradation, competition and disease transmission," Ms Wellman said. "Feral pigs degrade habitat through selective feeding, trampling and rooting for underground parts of plants and invertebrates. "They are particularly damaging along drainage lines, moist gullies and around swamps and lagoons or after rain, when the ground is softer," she said. Ms Wellman said a range of techniques are used to control feral pigs including baiting, trapping and aerial culling. "Feral pig control requires a co-ordinated approach. A number of stakeholders including landowners, the Livestock Health and Pest Authority, local councils, National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Catchment Management Authority have contributed to the movie," she said. Five minute version of the film is here .. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i33xK70Tmfg

Ed Comment; there is not doubt wild pigs do huge amount of environmental damage, but in our view the control methods used are only a bandaid. They've been using baiting, ( including aerial baiting which impacts on other native animals), trapping and aerial shooting for decades and the wild pig problem is growing, not reducing. Seems to us they need to get serious about the problem, and the funding used on the bandaid methods put to finding a permanent, longterm solution.

Petition

If you havnt yet signed the Petition to stop kangaroo meat imports into the European Union, the link is here ......
http://www.change.org/petitions/call-for-support-to-ban-kangaroo-products-in-eu?organization=awpc

Gladstone Harbor

The Greens say the Gladstone Ports Corporation is trying to remove its harbour from the World Heritage List so it can avoid international scrutiny about its dredging operations. The World Heritage Committee is sending a team to Australia to investigate the $16 billion LNG site at Gladstone and a massive port expansion along the east coast. The Gladstone Ports Corporation has sent a letter to state and federal MPs asking them to support moves to remove the harbour from the conservation list. Greens Senator Larissa Waters says it is the latest dirty tactic being used to justify dredging which is suspected of killing marine life in the region. "This latest letter by the Gladstone Ports Corporation asking for the Harbour to be removed from World Heritage listing is frankly just an admission that this dredging is an environmental disaster," she said. "It is very interesting that we hear that the Ports Corporation wrote to state and federal MPs a month ago. They didn't write to me, and I've been one of the most vocal critics." "The Ports Corporation have got Buckley's chance of getting this harbour delisted," she added. "It is on the World Heritage list for a reason and it needs to stay there and be treated properly. "[It needs] to not just be treated like an underwater open-cut mine. "We had 75,000 people sign a letter after that Four Corners expose calling on the Federal Minister to stop the dredging." *ABC

Temporary Australians

A Northern Territory "thrill-seeker" who has wakeboarded croc-infested waters more than 30 times said the fun outweighed the danger. The 29-year-old man, who wished not to be named, said: "I'm the only one who ever gets out on the water." He said even his friends thought he was "crazy" and refused to wakeboard Adelaide River and Corroboree Billabong - which are home to some of the world's biggest saltwater crocodiles. "They think they're going to die," he said. "It's just a bit of fun." The McArthur River miner said he would go wakeboarding on Territory waterways every two months and had been doing it for five years. But he said the key to keeping safe on the water was to go around the crocodiles - not over them - and make sure the driver of the boat could quickly turn around if he fell off. He said some people would jump out of planes for their adrenaline but he would wakeboard the Top End. "I've never had an incident on the water," he said. But he said he would often tell himself: "Don't freak out. It's only dangerous if you fall off," he said. The online video was taken on Adelaide River in late October. The miner said he knew the video would "cause quite a stir" after his friends appeared on the front page of the NT News for the same stunt in August. East Darwin hockey player Dean Holt told the NT News in September that his mate - who was photographed wakeboarding the billabong - took to the water as a one off. But the miner said he was "a bit of a thrill seeker". *NT news

Dingoes

If a sickly young dingo pup proves to be a purebred Fraser Island Dingo, the culprits could face a $300,000 fine or up to two years in prison for taking him out of a national park. The malnourished male pup, which appears to be purebred, was caught in the early hours of Thursday morning near Maryborough and delivered to the TESS Wildlife Sanctuary. The Department of Environment and Resource Management is now investigating the incident amid claims both adult and juvenile dingoes have been taken off the island in increased numbers over the past two years. DERM regional manager, Great Sandy region, Peter Wright said there had not previously been any confirmation of dingoes being unlawfully taken from the island, but there had been reports. "The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in the Great Sandy region occasionally receives reports of dingoes being taken from Fraser Island and each one is investigated by the department," Mr Wright said.

TESS Wildlife Sanctuary curator Ray Revill said DERM might have to return to random vehicle inspections on Fraser Island, which had a dingo population estimated to be 100-200. He said unconfirmed reports of dingoes being taken from Fraser Island had become especially prevalent in the past year. Cheryl Bryant, publicity officer for conservation group Save Fraser Island Dingoes, said the group received reports that dingoes with ear tags had been spotted on the mainland, but had been unable to confirm it. The captured young dingo will spend the next four weeks receiving treatment and special care. Mr Revill said if the pup was confirmed as a Fraser Island dingo, it was not likely to be returned to the island and might stay at the sanctuary. He said staff would call on the public to give the youngster a name after it had made a full recovery. It would take at least a month of special feeding and vet care before the animal returned to full health. *Fraser Coast Chronicle

Koalas

Fleet the koala, who was found shot seven times by a slug gun in October last year, has succumbed to his injuries. Fleet was brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital at Beerwah, Queensland, last October with seven pellets lodged in his body, including one in each limb. Veterinarians treating Fleet said three pellets found close to the surface initially were removed, but others in Fleet's skull and body were deemed too dangerous to take out and were left untouched. Unfortunately, a pellet lodged in Fleet's nasal cavity later became infected.
Vets treating the animal said despite strong antibiotic therapy and attempted removal he was unable to beat the infection. Surgery was performed yesterday to remove the pellet, but Fleet did not survive the operation. Vet Amber Gillett said staff at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital had worked tirelessly to save the famous little animal. "From the start the biggest risk to Fleet's survival was infection," she said. "We got it under control in his foot after weeks of antibiotics and debridement on his foot, but his nasal infection did not respond, hence why the decision was made to remove the pellet to eliminate this source of infection.

"Surgery to remove deeply embedded pellets is risky and is generally not necessary if they don't pose a direct risk to survival of the patient, hence why these were left where they were to begin with. "Once infection sets in however, removal of these pellets can become part of the treatment to help clear up the infection." Dr Gillett said the Zoo was committed to saving every single animal and it was upsetting to lose one of their patients. "Every animal we treat gets a little piece of us and we often feel a personal attachment to them, making losing them all the harder," she said. "It angers me beyond belief that someone could heartlessly shoot and leave for dead one of our protected species, and our national icon. Our koalas are at serious risk of extinction in south east QLD and it is devastating to lose one to such a cowardly act of cruelty. "In particular though, we are devastated to lose Fleet. He was a fighter and our greatest wish was to return him as a healthy koala into the wild. "We still have not caught Fleet's shooter and his death should send a strong message about the severity of animal cruelty and malicious intent on our native protected wildlife," Dr Gillett said. * News.com.au.
To donate to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital, go to http://www.everydayhero.com.au/event/koala

Pet Wildlife Stolen

What could be Britain's most daring thieves were last night on the run from police after around 100 exotic animals - including a 5ft crocodile - were swiped in a pet shop raid. The dwarf caiman crocodile was part of a haul including dozens of snakes and lizards snatched from Stockport Pet Warehouse in Heaviley, Greater Manchester. Officers are now hunting the missing menagerie and have warned the thieves they could be risking life and limb trying to handle the stolen predator. The owners of the shop, Jon Bibby, 40, and Paul Williamson, 45, are also concerned about the stolen animals who, they fear, may not survive if not cared for properly. Mr Williamson said: 'There have been about 100 animals taken, the most dangerous being the crocodile, but also about 50 snakes, some of which are five to six foot.' Around 40 lizards, including geckos and bearded dragons, were also stolen, he added.'We can obviously replace these, but they also took two birds, a cockatoo and a parakeet, which we were caring for while customers were on holiday,' Mr Williamson said. 'They had taught the cockatoo to talk and that is not something that can be replaced. It will be devastating for them.' *MailonLine.co.uk

The Cuvier's dwarf caiman (above) is the smallest known species of crocodilian reptile, with a total length of up to 5.2ft in males and typically up to 4ft in females. Hailing from northern and central South America, the nocturnal dwarf caimans live near fast stretches of stream, using burrows as shelter during the day. While young, they mainly eat invertebrates like tropical insects and freshwater molluscs, broadening their diet to include fish as they mature. However, like all crocodiles, they still have fiercely powerful jaws and sharp teeth, capable of cracking the shells of their prey and ripping flesh and bone.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082072/A-crocodile-50-snakes-bearded-dragons-snatched-tenacious-raid-pet-shop.html#ixzz1iW6wvnfu

Whaling

The conservation group Sea Shepherd has received what it describes as a reprimand from the Australian government for its use of aerial drones to track the Japanese whaling fleet. The Australian Antarctic Division told it the drones must undergo an urgent environmental impact assessment (EIA) if they are to be used in waters covered by the Antarctic Treaty.The drones were used by the group last month to find the factory ship Nisshin Maru before it reached Antarctic waters. The federal government requires anyone going to the far south from an Australian port to fill in an EIA and seek approval under the Antarctic Treaty. The group completed EIAs before departing from Hobart and Fremantle last month but an AAD manager, Gillian Slocum, emailed the group after the drones' existence became public. ''I do not recall drones being included in your EIA,'' Ms Slocum said. ''If you do intend to use them in the Antarctic Treaty area then this activity must be subject to the same assessment as the rest of your season activities have been.''

Sea Shepherd's leader, Paul Watson, said the demand was at odds with the treatment of the whalers in the Antarctic. "I find it interesting that they can tell us we can't use drones in the Southern Ocean but Japan can kill whales in the same waters," Mr Watson said. "I think Tokyo has made another complaint to Australia." The group's damaged ship Brigitte Bardot and its escort the Steve Irwin are returning to Fremantle, but a drone is believed to be in use on a third ship, Bob Barker. Mr Watson said yesterday Sea Shepherd knew the Nisshin Maru's location, and it was yet to conduct any whaling. The Brigitte Bardot, and the Steve Irwin are due to arrive in Fremantle today. Comment was sought from the federal Environment Minister, Tony Burke. *SMH
Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/whale-watch/sea-shepherd-drones-provoke-official-rebuke-20120103-1pjj9.html#ixzz1iXQNW7fG



Attorney-General Nicola Roxon has held open all options as a Japanese whaling fleet security ship carrying three Australian environmentalists heads into the Southern Ocean today.
Ms Roxon has refused to rule out sending an Australian Government vessel to meet the Shonan Maru No. 2, following repeated calls from the Coalition and Greens for the patrol ship Ocean Protector to monitor the whaling conflict. "Our top priority is to make sure those three men are being treated properly and will be returned promptly," she told the ABC. West Australian forest activists Glen Pendlebury, Geoffrey Tuxworth and Simon Peterffy boarded the Japanese ship in an attempt to make it abandon its pursuit of the Sea Shepherd vessel Steve Irwin. The government is expected to seek confidential diplomatic talks with Japan to resolve the impasse, but Ms Roxon told reporters that the government was not impartial in the matter. "We don't support Japanese scientific whaling," she said. "We don't believe that it's an appropriate practice and we would like it to stop. We are not in the least bit impartial about that. "But that doesn't mean that there is a free open slather if people take the law into their own hands."

The Shonan Maru No. 2 was this morning about 100 nautical miles south of Australia and heading south in pursuit of the Steve Irwin, Sea Shepherd's leader Paul Watson said. The men were in good health on the ship, according to Glenn Inwood, a New Zealand-based spokesman for Japan's Institute for Cetacean Research, which runs the whaling fleet. Mr Inwood said the men had risked being taken to Japan for trial, but there has been no comment yet from the government in Tokyo. Mr Watson criticised the Federal Government's response to the crisis as "the bullshit politics of compromise". "Nicola Roxon has been quick to condemn these three brave men by saying they were detained by the Japanese in international waters and Australia would be powerless to stop them being taken back to Japan," Mr Watson said. "Of course the only reason they boarded the Shonan Maru No. 2 was because her government has refused to make good on their pre-election promise to get tough with the illegal Japanese whalers in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary." *Age

Toxoplasmosis in Wildlife

Tasmanian farmers have called for urgent monitoring amid reports the parasitic disease toxoplasmosis is on the increase in native animals and stock. New Tasmanian research shows animals living in areas with high cat numbers are five times more likely to have the toxoplasma parasite. It also reported evidence of feral cat spikes in areas where devils had been wiped out by facial tumour disease. "There is a real issue around toxoplasmosis that needs to be dealt with, as well as other animal diseases like tularemia (from possums)," Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association chief executive Jan Davis said. "We feel this has been put in the too-hard basket but these diseases, as well as a concern on farms, are a risk for humans, too. We want the Government to invest in research and monitoring."

Toxoplasmosis aborts unborn lambs, in particular, and can kill and in humans can affect unborn babies. There have been reports of wallabies and bandicoots dazed and blind. It is fatal to the vulnerable eastern barred bandicoot. Wildlife can be run over or eaten because they lose sight. A paper presented in New Zealand last month states: "Evidence is emerging of feral cat increases in many areas of Tasmania, which may be a consequence of declining devil densities. "The highest toxoplasmosis seroprevalance (positive test) in pademelons occurred in areas where cat density was the highest, being almost five times higher than in regions with the lowest cat densities." The research was conducted by Tracey Hollings and Menna Jones, of the University of Tasmania, Hamish McCallum, of Griffith University, and Nick Mooney from the Department of Primary Industries. The highest numbers of positive tests were in eastern quolls.

Last year, Tamar Natural Resource Management trapped dozens of feral cats that were all infected. In September, Tasmanian Country reported on farmers concerned about a drop in wallaby numbers. Reports of diseased wallabies were made from Bothwell to the Tasman Peninsula. Bothwell farmer Neil Monks said "they went blind and just pined away ... you could walk up to them and they were just sitting up looking at the sky". The Department of Primary Industries said illness was often triggered when animals were stressed from hunger, age or the weather. Monitoring from 2005 to 2008 showed a big decline in pademelons in the south, although drops in native species were expected because of drought. Surveys were continuing but the department said there had been no reported increase in animal deaths. Landholders and others can report unusual symptoms or disease in wildlife to 6233 6556 or notifiable diseases to 1800 675 888. *Mercury

Ed Comment; Well, in Tassie they eat a lot of of wallaby and possum meat, so this report may slow down the consumption of wildlife meat. Anyone who eats wildlife meat runs the risk of getting toxoplasmosis.....and other largely untreatable diseases. To read more about toxo in wildlife, and its devastating effects on humans, go to ........ http://www.kangaroo-protection-coalition.com/kangaroos-toxoplasmosis.html

Kangaroo Attack

A seven-year-old girl who suffered cuts and bruises after being attacked by a kangaroo in Australia has said she thought she was going to die. Makayla McEvoy was playing near a group of the kangaroos at a campsite when one charged at her, pinned her to the ground, and kicked her in the face, arms and back. Describing the attack, the schoolgirl, who is now recovering after being treated for her wounds, said she was "very, very scared". She added: "I thought I was going to die. All I could see was grey, grey, grey". The ordeal happened at Wyangala Dam, a popular picnic and camping area about 186 miles (300km) west of Sydney. "It just jumped on her back and knocked her to the ground and started. It was just jumping up and jumping up on top of her and scratching her," said Makayla's mother, Emma McGovern. Her step-father, Mitch McGovern, ran to save her.

He said: "As I jumped over the top of Makayla to get rid of the kangaroo, all I could see was she was laying, sort of, face down on the ground with her shirt was all ripped, and her back was cut. "There was no noise, I thought the worst." Makayla McEvoy hurt after being attacked by wild kangaroo, west of Sydney, Australia Makayla McEvoy suffered cuts and bruises to her face, arms and back Mrs McGovern added: "Honestly, I thought she was dead. She didn't make any noise. She didn't scream for help." Mr McGovern said he struggled to fight off the kangaroo. "As I went to turn back, it actually came back at me, jumped and kicked me in the back of the leg," he said. Makayla was rushed to hospital where her wounds were treated.

She said the attack has not put her off hoping to be a veterinary surgeon one day. Grey kangaroos can grow as tall as 9ft (2.8 metres), and weigh up to 10st (66kg). The park management said they will put up signs to warn people about kangaroo attacks. The Eastern Grey Kangaroo is found in southern and eastern Australia, with a population of several million. They normally avoid interaction with humans, and there have only been a handful of recorded attacks on people. *Sky News

Fires

Fire authorities will be forced to conduct night fuel-reduction burns over summer, as the Government struggles to deal with a huge backlog of grass fuel left around the ACT. The rare decision comes after a disastrous start to the territory's hazard reduction program this financial year. Just 104ha of a planned 5316ha of fuel-reduction burning has been completed so far, according to Territory and Municipal Services. The backlog has been caused by recent rains, which have made it impossible for Parks, Conservation and Lands fire officers to conduct burns. TAMS fire unit manager Neil Cooper said authorities would now be forced to take the unusual step of conducting night-time burns during summer. Mr Cooper said fire officers would be forced to wait for a cool change, during which they would conduct a large number of burns over a short, concentrated period. He said this would potentially create smoke hazards across the ACT.

The wet weather has also caused ''havoc'' for scheduled maintenance and upgrades to the ACT's fire trails, including work planned for the Mt Franklin Road in Namadgi National Park, according to Mr Cooper. The ACT Government was urged to improve access to the Mt Franklin Road, and a number of other fire trails, by the McLeod Inquiry in the wake of the devastating 2003 Canberra bushfires. Mr Cooper said he was confident that TAMS would achieve its hazard reduction burn target of 5316ha by the end of the financial year. ''With the continuing run of wet weather, it's caused us to adapt and reassess how we do things,'' Mr Cooper said. 'What we've done is looked at those areas and discussed how we can still achieve this fuel management outcome using other means, such as slashing and grazing.'' About 7000ha of fuel was planned to be removed through cattle grazing, while 8000ha has already been slashed once by Parks, Conservation and Lands. The Rural Fire Service has warned that if current warm temperatures continue over the next month, the risk of fast-moving grass fires will be dramatically increased.

Temperatures reached 34 degrees yesterday, 33 degrees on Monday, and 30 degrees on Sunday, while today is forecast to hit 34, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. But storms are forecast for today, and showers are expected to continue later this week. RFS chief officer Andrew Stark said the warmer weather was not a big concern, but said a sustained hot period would create a ''rush of grass'', increasing the risk of dangerous grass fires. "'The real risk with these conditions, and for the ACT this year, is grass fires, rather than forest fires,'' Mr Stark said. ''They're very fast moving, very wind driven, very intense heat, and very tall flames, particularly with all the available grass at the moment.'' 'Grass fires can move up to four times faster than forest fires, so they can develop into dangerous conditions very quickly.'' Mr Stark said he was ''quite confident'' in the fuel management activities scheduled in the ACT's current Bushfire Operations Plan. 'They're always challenging, because the weather that hurts us in summer, hurts us in winter.''

Ed Comment; Over the last few years the ACT Government, arguably the most dysfunctional government in Australia, have deliberately killed thousands of kangaroos in the Parks and Reserves around Canberra, because they were eating the grass. Now they are burning the Parks to keep the grass down!