DO'S & DONT'S
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES
Water troughs can be deadly for wildlife!
A simple water trough, a source of life for some, can become a perilous trap for others.
Native animals, driven by thirst, often find their way to these man-made oases. But for the smaller creatures, what begins as a quest for a vital drink can end in tragedy. Once they slip into the water, the steep, slippery sides of the trough offer no escape, turning these watering holes into unintended death traps.
However, where there is a problem, the indomitable human spirit often finds a solution. By placing a sturdy, long stick or a robust rope into the trough, we create a lifeline, a bridge back to safety for these vulnerable beings. It’s a simple act, yet it speaks volumes of our capacity for kindness and stewardship over the creatures with whom we share our home.
Take, for instance, the story of a juvenile Sugar Glider, found clinging to the edge of a cattle trough, her fur matted and her spirit dimmed by the loss of her mother and sibling to the unforgiving waters.
She was found in time, handed over to wildlife carers and nurtured back to health. This resilient glider was given a second chance at life. She grew strong and agile under the watchful eyes of her caretakers, her natural zest returning with each passing day. And when the time was right, she was released back into the wild, a testament to the resilience of life and the power of compassionate intervention.
This tale of survival and human empathy serves as a beacon, reminding us of the simple changes we can make to coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
By taking small steps to safeguard the lives of our native fauna, we not only protect them but also enrich our own lives, weaving a narrative of coexistence that can be passed down through generations.
So let us take heart and action in these small gestures, for they are the threads that weave the tapestry of conservation, ensuring that the story of our unique wildlife continues to unfold under the vast Australian sky.
Check before spraying trees!
In the quiet of the Australian early morning, our native trees become a sanctuary. Within the branches and leaves, creatures of the night—find refuge for the day.
Sometimes, the actions we take to protect our cherished fruit and ornamental trees can unintentionally turn these safe havens into perilous traps. The seemingly innocuous act of spraying for pests or applying fertiliser can unleash an invisible storm of consequences for these unsuspecting residents.
Consider for a moment the tender life of a juvenile Mountain Brushtail possum, nestled in the crook of a tree. It’s a life filled with the rustling of eucalyptus leaves and the sweet scent of blossoms. But in an instant, this tranquil existence can be shattered. Chemicals, meant to shield our gardens, can become agents of harm to these vulnerable creatures. They cannot see the danger, cannot understand the threat that descends from above.
The tale of one such young possum is a poignant reminder of our responsibility to coexist with the natural world. This little one, with a heart as brave as any, was struck by tragedy—a victim of our oversight. Blinded and bearing the agony of chemical burns, a life that once played out among the treetops was brought to a premature end. Human kindness, in the form of humane euthanasia, was the only mercy left to offer.
Such a loss is a clarion call to all of us who share this land with the wild. Before we act, let us pause. Let us look up into the cradle of leaves and branches and remember the hidden lives that depend on our vigilance. By checking our trees before we spray, we can prevent these heart-wrenching injuries. We can protect the delicate balance of existence that thrives in our own backyards.
So next time, before you reach for that spray bottle, take a moment to peer into the foliage. You might just lock eyes with a possum, a little glider or an owl, and in that gaze, find a reason to tread gently on this earth we all call home. Together, we can ensure that the story of our native animals is one of coexistence and care, not of conflict and loss
Swimming Pool Fencing can be fatal
Swimming pools, shimmering oases of refreshment and joy for humans, are usually encircled by fences—a necessary shield to safeguard curious children from harm. Yet, for the creatures that call the Australian bushland home, these barriers can become death traps.
On a day that began like any other, a Swamp wallaby—a creature as much a part of the landscape as the whispering eucalyptus trees—met a tragic fate. This particular wallaby, a mother, found herself ensnared between the unforgiving bars of a pool fence. In a desperate bid for freedom, she struggled fiercely, but the iron bars showed no mercy. Her battle was heart-wrenching, and within the span of a mere hour, her spirit was extinguished, a life lost to the unyielding steel.
The tragedy was compounded by the fate of her joey, a tiny being not yet acquainted with the world beyond the comforting confines of his mother’s pouch. As the mother fought for her life, the joey was torn from his sanctuary, subjected to injuries that no creature, let alone one so young and vulnerable, should ever endure.
This sorrowful event is not an isolated incident. Wallabies, like many native animals, are creatures of instinct. When fear grips them, they bolt—heedless of the dangers that man-made structures may present. As we carve our homes and leisure spaces into the once undisturbed habitats of these animals, we unknowingly set the stage for such tragedies.
The story of this wallaby mother and her joey, residents of the lush and vibrant Byron Bay—a jewel in Australia’s crown, frequented by travellers from around the globe—is a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between human progress and wildlife conservation.
It implores us to consider how we might coexist more harmoniously with our native fauna. Could the design of our fences be reimagined to prevent such occurrences? Are there ways to alert these creatures to the presence of these potential hazards? These questions beckon us to find solutions that honour the lives of all beings sharing this land.
As we reflect on the loss of the wallaby and her joey, let us turn this story of heartache into a catalyst for change. Let it inspire us to forge a future where the safety of our children and the protection of our wildlife are not at odds, but rather, exist in thoughtful, compassionate harmony.
Think Before You Chop and Cut
In the quiet hum of a suburban backyard, a well-intentioned ritual unfolds. Homeowners, armed with secateurs and chainsaws, embark on the task of taming their wild, overgrown gardens. Among the greenery, a towering Coco’s palm stands out, its fronds swaying gently in the breeze. Once a proud addition to the garden, it now poses a hidden danger with its toxic, unripe fruits—a peril to the unsuspecting Flying Foxes that glide through the twilight sky.
It’s a responsible decision, then, to remove such a threat. Yet, in the buzz of the chainsaw and the rustle of falling leaves, a tragedy is unwittingly set in motion.
Nestled within the dense foliage of the Coco’s palm, a Ringtail Possum family had crafted their drey—a cozy nest made of twigs and leaves. It was their sanctuary, a cradle for the young and a haven for the adults. But as the chainsaw tore through the palm, the possums’ instincts led them not to flee but to freeze, a natural response to danger that, this time, had heart-wrenching consequences.
The adult Ringtails, caught in the crossfire of human activity and nature’s instincts, succumbed to their injuries, leaving behind their two joeys—tiny, vulnerable, and too delicate for the world outside their now-shattered home.
This poignant tale serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between our urban lives and the wild neighbours we seldom see. It’s a plea to pause and peer a little closer into the greenery that we call our backyards. Before pruning or cutting, take a moment to inspect for hidden homes, for the creatures that find refuge in our gardens are often silent and unseen.
Consider the Mountain Brushtail Possum, a gentle nocturnal creature that slumbers in the daylight, often invisible to the casual observer. The accompanying image captures a rare glimpse of one such possum at rest, an uncommon sight as they expertly blend into their surroundings.
So, let us approach our garden chores with care and consideration, for our actions resonate far beyond our fences. By being vigilant and compassionate custodians of our shared environment, we can protect the unseen lives that depend on the very trees and shrubs we tend to.
Let’s cherish and safeguard these living treasures, for in doing so, we preserve the intricate web of life that enriches our world.
Fatal Consequences for relocated possum
Once, nestled within the eaves of a cozy house that edged the forest, a family of Brushtail Possums found sanctuary. Their soft, nocturnal murmurings were a gentle reminder of the wild’s proximity. However, their presence became unwelcome, and a decision was made to relocate them to the forest.
After the possum family was carefully trapped, the roof was made an impenetrable barrier to their return. They were carried into the forest and released, the assumption being that they would thrive in their natural habitat. But the story that unfolded serves as a poignant lesson in the complex tapestry of nature’s order.
Imagine the plight of the juvenile female possum, left to fend for herself in an unfamiliar territory.
This is a tale of struggle and resilience, but also of heartache. When she was discovered, time had etched its cruel story upon her — the once vibrant creature was now a shadow of her former self.
Her front teeth, were gone. Her face bore the signs of infection, a stark contrast to her once-pristine fur, and her body was a map of wounds and scars. She was thin, a stark testament to the hardships she had faced.
This solemn tale is a reminder of the fierce territorial nature of possums. They are not nomads by choice; they thrive in the familiarity of their own domain.
To introduce a possum into another’s territory is to ignite a silent but deadly conflict, where the newcomer is met with hostility.
The lesson here is clear: relocation is not a simple act of moving an animal from point A to point B. It is a complex process that requires thoughtful preparation. If one finds themselves in a position where a possum must be relocated, it is crucial to equip these resilient creatures with the tools for survival. A possum box can become a beacon of hope, a new beginning in a foreign land.
We implore you, do not act on impulse or leave their fate to chance. This young possum’s story ended with a merciful release from her suffering, a decision made with heavy hearts. Her family’s fate remains a mystery, a silent echo in the forest.
Let this be a call to action: before attempting to relocate these unique marsupials, seek advice from those who understand their needs. Reach out for assistance, and ensure that every step taken is one that fosters life and respect for these remarkable creatures that share our world.
What is your dog or cat up to right now ?
In the quiet stillness of an Australian back yard, a remarkable and resilient creature endured a harrowing ordeal. A Blue Tongue Lizard, known for its distinctive cobalt-hued tongue and gentle nature, found itself in the throes of an unimaginable struggle for survival. The victim of a domestic dog attack, this lizard presented a heart-wrenching sight: its entire stomach and large intestine were prolapsed, a vivid and visceral scar of the violence it had suffered.
As if the physical injuries weren’t enough, the left side of its body lay paralysed, a testament to a severe spinal injury inflicted during the encounter. Yet, amidst this dire adversity, the lizard’s spirit remained unbroken. It was alive, remarkably active, and displayed a tenacity that would inspire any onlooker. With sheer determination, it dragged its stomach behind it, moving across the earth with a perseverance that spoke volumes of its will to live.
This Blue Tongue Lizard, in its plight, painted a stark picture of the silent suffering endured by wildlife as they cross paths with human civilization and its domestic companions. Left undiscovered, this resilient creature could have continued to survive for some time, enduring pain and distress in the quiet solitude of the bush, a silent witness to the collision of two worlds.
Fortunately, fate intervened. The lizard was found and brought into care, where it was treated with the utmost compassion. In the face of such grievous injuries, the kindest decision was made: the lizard was humanely euthanised, allowing it to rest, free from the pain that had become its constant companion.
This poignant story is not just a tale of suffering, but a call to awareness. It’s a reminder of the fragility of life and the impact our domestic animals can have on native wildlife. It underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for protective measures to ensure the safety of our treasured fauna. As stewards of the natural world, it is our duty to safeguard these creatures and the delicate ecosystems they inhabit, ensuring that their stories do not end in silent suffering but continue to unfold in the rich tapestry of the Australian landscape.
Remember, each act of kindness towards nature is a step towards a future where humans and wildlife coexist in harmony. Let us not be the architects of tragedy, but rather the guardians of compassion.
What is your dog up to right now?
Please check before putting the lid back on the bin!
In the dim glow of the streetlights, an unsuspecting Brushtail possum ambled through the urban jungle, his eyes gleaming with the simple quest for sustenance. Drawn by the scent of discarded treasures, he found himself at the mouth of a waste bin, its lid carelessly left ajar. With the agile grace bestowed upon his kind, he slipped inside, unaware that this bin would become his unintended prison.
The dawn chorus had not yet begun when the lid was thoughtlessly replaced, sealing the possum’s fate. Trapped within the confines of the bin, he waited. The sun arced across the sky, casting shadows that turned from sharp to soft, but the darkness within the bin remained unchanging. The rhythm of the day continued, oblivious to the small life cloistered in the shadows.
Night descended once more, a cloak of stars veiling the world, and still, the possum lingered in his unintended sanctuary, hopeful for release. Another day dawned, and the cycle of life marched on, indifferent to the quiet drama unfolding in a forgotten corner.
It was only when curious hands lifted the lid that the possum’s plight was revealed. But by then, the delicate thread of his life was fraying, and despite the rush of fresh air and the touch of caring hands, his journey ended shortly thereafter.
This poignant tale serves as a gentle reminder to all: please, take a moment to peer into the shadows before sealing away the contents of your waste bins. A curious possum, or another creature of the urban wilds, may have sought refuge within. Your vigilance can spare a life and protect the delicate balance between our world and theirs. Let us not forget that every creature, no matter how small, is a thread in the tapestry of life, and each deserves our care and respect.
Is your dog secure at night?
Imagine the soft rustle of leaves under a moonlit sky, the gentle hush of the Australian bush coming alive with nocturnal whispers. In this serene setting, a Short-eared possum, with its wide, curious eyes and nimble fingers, is foraging in the tranquility of the night. Suddenly, tranquility turns to tragedy as this native creature encounters an unexpected predator – not a wild one, but a domestic dog.
This particular possum, with its fur matted and skin marred by wounds, was fortunate enough to be rescued after such an encounter. The injuries it sustained were severe, a stark reminder of the fragility of our native wildlife. Without the intervention of caring humans, this possum’s story could have ended in heartbreak.
As daylight fades, the world that belongs to our wild friends becomes perilous when domestic dogs, driven by an innate hunting instinct, roam unchecked. It’s a stark contrast to the loving pet you know, but under the cloak of darkness, even the most well-fed and gentle dog can succumb to primal urges.
In the quiet of the night, when all seems still, your furry companion might just be seeking an adventure or a new friend. But to the native animals, a dog’s playful approach can spell doom. They perceive not a potential playmate, but a threat to their very existence, and in a state of panic, their response is often a fight for survival.
This lucky possum, after 13 days of meticulous care and healing, was returned to its natural habitat – a necessity for these territorial beings. Its resilience is commendable, but many are not so fortunate. Countless native animals succumb to their injuries in silence, hidden from the world, with their young left to face a bleak future alone.
Possum here at the vet being treatment under anesthesia.
Possum seen here In recovery.
The story of this possum is a poignant reminder of the unseen impact domestic pets can have on Australian wildlife. As night falls and the stars begin to twinkle, securing your dog becomes an act of conservation. By ensuring your pet is safely contained from dusk till dawn, you are not just protecting your beloved companion, but also safeguarding the delicate balance of our unique ecosystem.
So, as you tuck yourself in for the night, take a moment to ponder – is your dog secure? Are the nocturnal wonders of the Australian bush safe from harm? The answer lies in your hands, and with a simple act of responsibility, you can be a guardian of the wild, ensuring that the only tales of the night are those of natural beauty and peaceful coexistence.