The most encouraging find of Angair’s small mammal workshop last month was the three Swamp Antechinus trapped at the Painkalac estuary site. Two had not been trapped before so the known numbers in the Painkalac Valley of this endangered little animal have increased.
According to workshop leaders Drs Barbara Wilson and Mark Garkaklis, the only worry was that all three were females. As the male of the species dies after only one mating season, it is important that some first-year males are around to father the next generation.
The sand dunes at Eastern Beach and 101 Bambra Rd yielded several Swamp Rats. A professional wildlife survey camera – which Barbara and Mark have donated to the regeneration site – was installed at 101. This will enable more effective camera monitoring as it can remain in place for many days without being checked.
Sally White
