Virtual Fencing for Wildlife

Virtual Fencing for Wildlife uses devices at the side of the road that emit a buzzing sound and flashing lights when triggered by car headlights. The aim is to warn wildlife that vehicles are approaching so they will get off the road. This virtual fencing is being trialled in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania in an effort to reduce roadkill.

Eurobodalla Council, after being approached by Coral Anderson from Animal Liberation Batemans Bay, "has contacted Transport for NSW to obtain their advice on this matter. We will review the information provided and assess its applicability for Eurobodalla, when received.”

More info: Wildlife Safety Solutions

Eurobodalla CatBib Program

Eurobodalla Shire Council is giving away CatBibs to cat owners in an effort to reduce the amount of native wildlife that domestic cats are killing. According to a study by Murdoch University Research, CatBibs “stop over 80% of cats from catching birds and reduce small animal predation by almost half”.

The CatBib hangs loosely from a safety collar and interferes with the cat's timing and coordination when hunting. It is said to be safe and comfortable for the cat although the Council recommends they be taken off when the cat comes in for the night.

It is a good idea to have a spare CatBib when going on rescues to offer to householders where appropriate. Shane has some that she will bring to the next branch meeting.

Ref: Eurobodalla CatBib Program, Eurobodalla Shire Council (pdf).

WhatsApp

Many of our branch members are using WhatsApp on their mobile phones to send text messages, photos and short videos to others in the group. It is proving useful for coordinating rescues, finding resources, and sharing relevant information. If you would like to join the WIRES MSC WhatsApp group, you can download the app for free from the google or iPhone app store, sign in and then ask Rachel McInnes to add you to the Wires MSC group.

You can also install WhatsApp on your computer (https://www.whatsapp.com/download/), just follow the instructions when you install it to connect it to your mobile. Also you don’t need a mobile signal to receive or send messages; a wifi connection will do.

If you can only see phone numbers instead of names on the WhatsApp messages it means that person's contact details are not stored in your mobile’s contacts list.

Please do not use the WhatsApp MSC WIRES group to report rescues or ask for advice about caring for an animal. All members should contact their relevant branch coordinator directly for care advice and to advise of the fate of animals they rescue or care for.

Marine Sanctuaries Under Threat

The Nature Coast Marine Group is campaigning to get the NSW Government to restore marine park sanctuary zones that were opened up to fishing last December. It is asking people to sign an email petition organised by the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS).

According to the AMCS: "In December last year, the NSW Government wound back wildlife protection in Batemans Marine Park without any consultation. As bushfires ravaged the state, the Government used a loophole to get around their own legislation and removed protection provided by critical marine sanctuaries.”

Ref: Nature Coast Marine Group email, 18 June 2020.

Reprieve for Greater Glider

Manyana, which is north of Lake Conjola, escaped the summer bushfires. However a 20 hectare area where various species, including the Greater Glider, had found refuge from the fires, was about to be bulldozed for a residential subdivision until a campaign by local residents temporarily halted the development.

At the end of May, after representations from the Environmental Defenders Office, Ozyhomes agreed not to commence clearing of vegetation, except for perimeter fencing, “while an ecologist is surveying the land for the presence of the threatened Greater Glider”. The Federal Court will consider the evidence in June.

Ref: Environmental Defenders Office, Court win a vital reprieve for the Greater Glider in unburnt bushland, 27 May 2020.

Reprieve for Leadbeater’s Possum

"The Federal Court last week ruled that VicForests – a timber company owned by the Victorian government – breached environmental laws when they razed the habitat of the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum and the vulnerable greater glider."

Until now, forests logged as part of regional forest agreements were exempt from federal environmental laws. The court ruling means that logging has to comply with state regulatory frameworks even if it is in areas that are covered by regional forest agreements. Otherwise there is no exemption from federal environmental laws.

In this case, the court found that "VicForests had not, as required, applied the 'precautionary principle' in planning and conducting logging operations" in coupes covered by the Central Highlands Regional Forest Agreement. Nor had it evaluated "management options to avoid dangers to these threatened species”. Therefore VicForests had no exemption from federal environmental laws which it had breached.

Ref: Julia Dehm, The Leadbeater’s possum finally had its day in court, The Conversation, 2 June 2020.