These community events form part of the wildlife survey being undertaken throughout the seven Landcare areas of Victoria’s Upper Murray. Wildlife Ecologists Matt Herring and Hugh McGregor, who are based in Albury-Wodonga, are coordinating the study and said the total species list has risen to 134, with 112 birds, 13 mammals, 6 reptiles and 3 frogs.

Mr Herring said “There have already been many exciting finds, such as the Long-nosed Bandicoot, Red-necked Wallaby, Sugar Glider, Wonga Pigeon, Bassian Thrush and Hooded Robin. We’ve also found Greater Gliders and Feather-tail Gliders in public land adjacent to some of the sites”.

“These positive results continue to highlight the significance of remnant patches of native vegetation on farms, and reflect the good management being implemented by many landholders. The retention of fallen timber, avoiding over-grazing, controlling feral animals and weeds, and revegetating cleared areas are just some of the Landcare works being undertaken in the Upper Murray to benefit local wildlife”.

Local people will have the opportunity to participate in the wildlife survey at both upcoming events and gain first-hand experience of some of the techniques used to find cryptic animals like Antechinus, commonly known as marsupial mice, and micro-bats.

The Wildlife Field Day begins at 10.00 am on Friday 26^th September (during the school holidays) at “Tipooburra”, 3.5 km from Walwa towards Granya on the Murray River Road. A Barbecue will be held for lunch after everyone has had an opportunity see and learn about the local wildlife.  

The Community Platypus Survey begins late in the afternoon of Saturday 11^th October, where people survey their site, and at 7.00 pm, when it’s dark, everyone is invited to share their results over a BBQ at the Towong Community Hall where a slide show will be presented on the latest results of the wildlife survey.

As part of the Platypus Survey, people are encouraged to survey waterways over the whole weekend but especially on the Saturday afternoon on dusk. Sightings will help the Landcare Network to target restoration efforts towards this much loved wildlife icon.  

Mr Herring said he is encouraging as many people as possible to attend these events and support the local Landcare network. These events will also provide wildlife identification tips and cover the important issues of habitat on farms and how to get the most out of an area for wildlife.

To reserve your place at these events contact Barton Roberts (Upper Murray Landcare Network Project Officer) on (02) 6072 7502 or umlandcare@bigpond.com