Flash celebrations for Avocet wallabies
Central Queensland News, Page: 8. Friday, 17 April, 2009
It’s not often that sporting shooters and conservationists have much in common.
But today, members of the public are invited to see for themselves the results of an ongoing feral animal control program at the privately owned Avocet Nature Reserve near Springsure.
The aim of the project is to reduce predator numbers and boost the flashjack population.
Also known as the bridled nailtail wallaby, the flashjack is an endangered species.
It is estimated there are fewer than 500 flashjack wallabies left in the wild.
From 9.30am today, the Glenora Road property is hosting a range of activities dedicated to the theme Bring Back the Flashjack.
The day has been organised by Mark Woods from the hunting and conservation division of the Sporting Shooters Association.
Mark and a group of volunteers have spent the past week at Avocet trapping and shooting wild dogs, feral cats and pigs.
“In five nights, we got three dogs and one cat,” he explained.
“We’re also placing 90 cage traps on site. The traps have been funded by WWF.
“The feral animal control started in 2003. Since those records began, we’ve got rid of 69 cats, 24 dogs, five foxes and about 30 pigs.” Mark is passionate about the flashjack and is encouraging more local landholders to help protect the native animal.
“There’s no direct competition for grazing grass,” he said.
“We’re looking for other properties to take part. We’re also trying to raise general awareness.
“There’ll be guest speakers and we’re hoping to have some flashjacks there as well. We want to get the message across that all groups can work together to reach a common goal.”
Home > Media monitoring > 2009 > Flash celebrations for Avocet wallabies