Earthwatch

It's estimated that there are only 80 long-nosed bandicoots remaining in the area.

 

Conservation group Earthwatch Australia is calling on residents and families to join the bandicoot watch to help protect long-nosed bandicoots at North Head, Manly from extinction.

The Bandicoots on the Brink conservation project established in 2010, itself is on the brink and in desperate need of around one hundred Sydneysiders to become a Scientist For A Day to protect the endangered bandicoot from introduced predators.

Richard Gilmore, Executive Director, Earthwatch said, "Bandicoots were abundant throughout Sydney until the 1960's".

"Since then, however, their numbers have declined dramatically because of habitat loss due to urban development and the effects of cars and introduced predators. It's estimated that there are only 80 long-nosed bandicoots remaining in the area".

"The bandicoots' research is designed to deepen the understanding of how feral predators affect threatened native animals living within urban landscapes."

The findings will enable conservation managers to develop predator control strategies and community education programs, to ensure the long-term survival of the bandicoot.

Bandicoot research teams commence on Saturday 2 April and run through until Thursday 2 June. There's also a family weekend for children aged 10 and over on 15-17 April 2011.

Teams of volunteers, led by Wildlife Ecologist Nelika Hughes, use sent lures to attract and then film bandicoot predators on hidden cameras throughout North Head Sanctuary.

Last year volunteers discovered a range of predators (rats, cats and dogs) as well as blue-tongue lizards, brushtail and ringtail possums, eastern water dragons and a total of 15 long-nosed bandicoots. An echidna was also spotted; a surprise given there has only been one sighting on the headlands before.

Join a 'Bandicoots on the Brink' team for just $49 and spend a fulfilling day learning about conservation and contributing to your local community.

Call Earthwatch on (03) 9682 6828 or visit www.earthwatch.org.au

The Research and the Scientist Wildlife Ecologist Nelika Hughes http://www.earthwatch.org/australia/exped/hughes_research.html

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, Earthwatch - Mobile: 0417 329 201