This short video explains a bit more about bandicoots and how they have adapted to us (or not). The comment about blackberries and weeds clarified why they might actually do OK in feral built up areas with adjoining scrub.
It's sad but bandicoots now need us to survive. I'm doing my best to help them and instead of building a bungalow as shown in the previous bandicoot video, I decided to use the natural materials I gathered tidying up an area. Instead of relocating the small branches and scrubby foliage, I piled it strategically against an existing tree in the same spot. There's not much point posting a photo because it is too well camouflaged. I'm going to do this wherever I can.
I am also allowing some of the bracken to grow right down to the edge of the drive in places to make it easier for these little guys to make it across the open space, until the native vegetation fills in and I can remove some of the bracken. And here's an example of how regulatory systems don't give a rat's arse about preserving wildlife. We are required to maintain a minimum 6 metre wide cleared access route along our driveway, and 6 metre wide firebreaks around the entire property. It's well known, or should be by now, that bandicoots are very reluctant to cross a space wider than 5 metres without cover. Males looking for a mate in the breeding season are forced to do the kamikaze run across our 2 lane highways which are more like 15 metres across. I regularly see them running like hell, nose down without looking. It's almost like they shut their eyes and just go for it. Tragically many are hit by cars.
Humans! As Lou Reed would say: stick a fork in their arse and turn them over. They're done.
That was such an informative video. I was so surprised to learn about the bandicoot reproduction, gestational period, and the number of litters in a single year. Wow! They really can repopulate if given the opportunity. Interesting about the problem with cats, which has been true of their horrific decimation of the bird populations. I am cheering on those beautiful bandicoots and looking forward more updates. Thank you, and yes be kind to wildlife.
ReplyDeleteRobin I was also surprised to find out how quickly bandicoots breed! Re cats - I am not a cat hater but having them as pets needs to be balanced with environmental concerns. Cats are also rampant breeders and incredibly resilient. I've heard some horror stories about people trying to kill them in various ways yet they often survive. If control has to be done it should be humane and I have donated to cat sterilisation programs in the past. The same could be said for humans but I've been called a 'Nazi' for even suggesting a similar program for 'irresponsible' breeders. I'm not really suggesting the state control births in that way but when you see the damage we are doing I feel some control is going to be necessary. Wildlife and the environment are paying the price of human expansion and inevitably, this will wipe us out anyway. Maybe drastic measures are required.
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