Injured possum survival rates
How many injured possums survive when they are returned to the wild? This is a question the Western Ringtail Action Group (WRAG) is turning to experts to try and answer. UWA Senior Honorary Research Fellow Roberta Bencini was present at the February WRAG meeting to detail the findings of a three-and-a-half-year study. The research followed […]
Generations caring for the Capel River
For Capel farmer David Hutton, looking after the Capel River is more than just a passing interest. Gazing upstream, he has a deep knowledge and appreciation for the river that flows year-round and brings life through bone-dry paddocks and brown summer farmland. “The Yarragadee aquifer comes to the surface upstream and provides the water for […]
Community members discover what lies beneath the waters of Canebrake Pool
Ever wondered what sort of life is in the pools and rivers of the south west? Last week a group of lucky community members got the chance to meet with a team of Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) scientists as they conducted a River Health assessment of Canebrake Pool. GeoCatch and Nature Conservation […]
Turtle trackers take to the rivers
The snake-neck turtle is a unique and vulnerable species that inhabits freshwater wetlands and streams around the South West, and GeoCatch is looking to recruit members of the public to become “Turtle Trackers”. The Citizen Science project offers an opportunity for all members of the community to contribute to the knowledge of the southwestern snake-neck […]
Dogs’ Day Out saves possums lives
Local dog owners were praised for training their pooches to live in harmony with western ringtail possums at GeoCatch’s Possum Avoidance Training last weekend. Dogs can cause injury and death to critically endangered possums and other wildlife in urban backyards through natural curiosity and predatory drive. As part of the Festival of Busselton Vasse Vets […]
Local vets teach first aid for possums
Members of the Western Ringtail Action Group (WRAG) identified a need in the community for better training and care of Western Ringtail Possums. 51 wildlife rehabilitators from six different rehabilitation groups across the South West joined Dr. Richard Lucas from Busselton Vet Hospital and Dr. Felicity Bradshaw for First Aid for Possums, a training course […]
Hot possums: Heatwave leaves critters in distress
With the recent run of hot weather, and a predicted hotter-than-average summer ahead, critically endangered Western Ringtail Possums are needing specialist first aid in increasing numbers. Dehydration, burns to their feet, and attacks by domestic animals as they seek relief from the heat have been reported in the South West. Presenting at a recent course […]
Toy possum sales fund possum first aid
The 2023 Ringtail Tally revealed some sobering statistics, with 64% of Western Ringtail Possum fatalities occurring on our roads. Many more possums are injured by traffic, domestic pets, and foxes. There is now cause for hope with a new project to train wildlife rehabilitators in first aid for possums. Local wildlife rehabilitators are invited to […]
Possum tally has a nice ring to it
GeoCatch has released the 2023 Western Ringtail Possum Tally results. Over four weeks in April, 20 Citizen scientists reported 341 possum sightings in their gardens and backyards across Busselton and Dunsborough, of which 149 were identified as different individuals. The annual tally aims to improve knowledge and awareness of critically endangered western ringtail possums living […]
Stirling wetland neighbours to plant 2560 trees
The Stirling wetlands, between Busselton and Capel, are home to a vast array of water birds, insects, and remnant vegetation. The wetlands cross multiple private properties, and now six neighbours have come together to reconnect remaining wetland habitat areas. To date, 1.5km of stock exclusion fencing is planned for installation to protect 2560 new […]
