Our Wildlife Volunteers Association (WILVOS) has recently been fortunate enough to have Dr Anne Fowler (Vet) (Hons), MACVS (Avian Health), from Australian Wildlife Education in Sydney present a weekend workshop. It was an honour to have someone of Anne’s calibre visit Nambour, with over 70 attendees on each of the two days, from as far away as Townsville, Rockhampton and Stanthorpe.
Our 54416200 hotline was running hot. Anne’s courses emphasised was not only caring techniques, but the responsibilities that we, as wildlife carers, have. Incorrect caring and release procedures can ultimately lead to the extinction of a species. This may sound tough but the facts are there. Diseases can spread very easily from our captive populations to our wild populations and we need to be very aware of this.
We were told of the harmful effects of encouraging congregations of wildlife. We all sat up when Dr Fowler said, “Bird feeders are just another name for public toilets in our back yards!”
I don’t put feed out for native animals, as I prefer to plant appropriate native shrubs, but I do put out freshly scrubbed water dishes each day. I guess hanging trays of clean water is not going to cause a mass migration to my yard, as happens with bird feeders. I wasn’t game ask! Too often grain is put out for our native wildlife and one shower of rain and the food is fermenting and toxic in no time, especially in our hot humid weather. Food can become spoiled within a matter of hours. Similarly, it is hoped that people will understand that they should never feed any bread to any wildlife.
Another point about which Anne was adamant was the fact that rehabilitating animals should be kept completely separate and far away from any native ‘pet’ animals we have. As an example, Anne explained the dangers of having ‘pet’ reptiles and then having them in close contact with any rehabilitating reptiles. The wild animals could be in care for a short time, but this can be just long enough to allow them to contract diseases or mites that could impact harshly when these rehabilitated animals are returned to the wild.
Being a vet, Anne sees the results of such things as snake mites Ophionyssus natricis that can cause havoc in our native reptile world. Again our actions could lead to the extinction of species. Scarey stuff!
It is rarely an easy process rearing orphaned animals through to release, so we want to do the best for all concerned and hopefully see the results of successful rehabilitation. I have just had a red-necked wallaby Macropus rufogriseus return after not seeing her for months. Last time I saw Jaqueline she had a small bulge in her pouch. Now her pouch is huge and out popped this cute furry little face. Definitely a successful release. After all the time, and often tears, put into rearing macropods, it is a joy to see them return with their offspring occasionally.
When fellow WILVO, Jo, originally picked up Jaqueline as a pink furless little joey, being ‘played with’ by a group of children, the chances of long-term survival were not looking too bright! She did a wonderful job!
For new wildlife carers, the most difficult part is probably recognizing the fact that these animals are not ‘pets’ – that they are to be nurtured in our care until they can be released back into their habitat at a suitable stage of development. It is then a joy to see them regain their freedom in the wild, where they belong.
Images: Greg Hardwick
Related articles:
[...] Let the author know what you think, contact them and continue reading, here [...]