On Sunday 1st August we joined members of VMRG to conduct a line search of an 2 square km area which had been burned in 2008.
The search was well organised with teams of 9-10 people covering a 2km grid. Conservation and Land Management students from Sunraysia TAFE also participated. The searching through mallee country that had been burnt two years ago was relatively easy, with some challenging walking in diagonal directions over sand dunes. I could not resist comparing carrying out the same task in our local area, which is much more densely vegetated country. Existing tagged mounds were found. At least three emu nests were also located, some with eggs.
A hearty lunch, provided by the Nangiloc and District Kindergarten, gave us sustenance for the afternoon search, which was in some unburnt country and was more difficult terrain.
The day was an enlightening experience. It gave us the opportunity to participate in a well organised and coordinated search, with adequate numbers of volunteers and ample safety and data recording equipment. It also allowed us to assist in gathering of valuable information regarding the effect of bushfire on Malleefowl population.
Article by Annette Robertson and Lynton Schriever
Photograph of emu eggs - Annette Robertson
No comments:
Post a Comment