Despite the rainy weather, over 60 people braved the elements and attended the 2011 Landcare BBQ and local Tiwest Night Stalk at the Langs property ‘Titanga’ in Lismore.
Despite the rainy weather, over 60 people braved the elements and attended the 2011 Landcare BBQ and local Tiwest Night Stalk at the Langs property ‘Titanga’ in Lismore.
The Tiwest Night Stalk is a nationwide spotlight survey of native and feral animal species initiated by Perth Zoo in 1999, and runs every year from September 1st to October 16th. Surveys are conducted all around Australia by a wide range of groups including Landcare groups, schools, families, community groups and other organisations. All animal sightings are sent to Perth Zoo where they are made available to the public and are used for distribution mapping. Particularly interesting or rare sightings are sent to conservation agencies. By participating in this program we can monitor species as we also raise community awareness of native species, their habitats and conservation.
This year there was a ‘frog focus’, and special guest Ray Draper gave a presentation about local frog species and played frog calls before the spotlight survey. During the spotlight walk a number of frog species were seen including pobblebonks, common froglets and striped marsh frogs, with a number of other frog species which were heard. Some bats were spotted flying overhead and there was further investigation of bat habitat. Some waterbird species were also spotted on the dam.
Afterwards everyone warmed up by the fire with some marshmallows. A big thank you to the Langs for allowing their property to be used for the Night Stalk and Ray Draper for presenting, as well as a thank you to the cooks and BBQers who helped on the night, and everyone who braved the rain to attend!
If you would like more information about the Tiwest Night Stalk Program or the results from last years’ stalks please visit http://www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/act/tiwest-night-stalk/ or if you would like some factsheets or further information about local frog, bat and owl species please either contact the Landcare Office on 55962384 or visit our publications page on the Landcare Victoria Gateway online http://corangamite.landcarevic.net.au/lismore-land-protn/publications