Safeguard a Bandicoot from Extinction

The summer update for Woodlands Historic Park’s bandicoot sanctuary brings more news regarding the weather.

Once again Australia is putting on all of it’s extreme weather scenario’s this Summer.  Across all the southern parts of the country there has been many bushfires to battle, especially in Victoria. Over the north of the country flooding, cyclones and consistent rain has wreaked havoc. The closest weather station to woodlands believe it or not is Melbourne Airport.  Since weather records have been kept this January was the driest on record. It’s a tough time to be flora or fauna this Australian summer. Saying that, the plants adapt to the conditions and the grasslands are looking in food condition considering. They will flourish once again when they get some rain and provide all the habitat and food the bandicoots and other wildlife needs to survive.

The biggest challenge on site over the last 6 months has been vetting the new predator fence. The new fence followed a similar path in many areas but it also broadened out into complete new zones when constructed. This means that the wildlife within the sanctuary had to get used to new areas of fence as well as a new design.

Wildlife has a great way of showing you where the weaknesses are. One of the biggest challenges is the ongoing movements of our fantastic echidnas. They are supreme diggers and love the challenge of trying to get under the fence. They are almost acting as fence inspectors looking to find where the soil is softer to continue moving through. As we find the small holes we quickly close them off to strengthen those weak points. It’s a grind but it keeps you on your toes. Slowly but surely with each extra pin added to hold the fence down it becomes more resilient.

Thanks so much to the Parks Victoria, CVA team and all the wonderful volunteers.

Links:

• Eastern Barred Bandicoot
• Help CVA Safeguard the Eastern Barred Bandicoot