The deadly traps that ensnare Australia's wildlife: A call to action
Australia's native wildlife is under threat from everyday items that humans often overlook. From fruit tree netting to fishing gear and barbed wire fences, these seemingly innocuous objects can become deadly traps, causing injury and death to countless animals. It's a crisis that demands our attention and action.
The scale of the problem is staggering. Thousands of animals are entangled every year, with flying foxes making up a staggering two-thirds of entanglement cases in New South Wales. These beautiful creatures, listed as vulnerable under national environment laws, are particularly susceptible to entanglement in backyard nets and barbed wire in regional areas. The consequences are devastating, with many bats unable to be treated and dying from exposure, heat, dehydration, blood loss, and predation.
But it's not just flying foxes. Entanglements affect a wide range of species, including kangaroos, platypus, raptors, and gliders. Lisa Palma, the chief executive of Wildlife Victoria, emphasizes that these entanglements are often preventable. Simple actions, such as using wildlife-friendly netting and fencing, can significantly reduce the number of native animals injured or killed.
The issue with fruit tree netting is particularly concerning. Hungry animals, especially flying foxes, birds, and possums, are attracted to flowers and fruits, and get easily caught in large-aperture nets with mesh sizes greater than 5mm. These nets, often used to protect homegrown produce, can be deadly for wildlife. Jasmine Vink, an ecologist and bat rehabilitator, warns that if you can poke a finger through the mesh, it's not safe for wildlife. The constriction caused by these nets is incredibly painful for flying foxes, leading to the slow death of their wings.
Safer alternatives are available, such as nets with smaller mesh sizes and cross-weave designs. Wildlife Victoria also promotes the use of fruit tree protection bags, which safeguard some branches while leaving others free for wildlife. White or light-colored materials are recommended to make the nets more visible to animals at night. Regular checks and maintenance of these nets are crucial to prevent entanglements.
The problem extends beyond backyard netting. Aquatic debris, including fishing gear and human rubbish, poses a significant threat to platypus, making up about 10% of entanglement cases in New South Wales. Dr. Geoff Williams at the Australian Platypus Conservancy highlights the dangers of fishing line, which can cause horrendous injuries by cutting through the skin. Hair ties, often dropped in waterways, are also a growing concern, as they can get swept along and end up around platypus.
In Western Australia, the Reel It In program has been instrumental in addressing the issue of discarded fishing line. Yellow bins have been installed at popular fishing spots, allowing fishers to safely dispose of unwanted line and tackle. This initiative has collected over 250km of line, preventing it from entangling wildlife.
Barbed wire fences, prevalent in rural areas, pose a serious risk to kangaroos. Wildlife Victoria has rescued over 800 kangaroos from these fences in the past year. The organization emphasizes the need for kangaroos to navigate around and through properties, and the potential dangers of startled or speeding kangaroos clipping top wires.
When it comes to rescuing entangled wildlife, it's crucial to approach the situation with care. Avoid touching or stressing the animal, and contact your local wildlife rescue or use the International Fund for Animal Welfare's wildlife rescue app to find a licensed carer. Flying foxes should only be handled by trained professionals with proper protective equipment.
The recent arrival of H5 bird flu in Australia further underscores the importance of avoiding contact with dead or sick animals. Members of the public are urged to report any sightings to the emergency animal disease hotline or the relevant government website.
In conclusion, the entanglement of wildlife in everyday items is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. By adopting simple measures, such as using wildlife-friendly netting and disposing of rubbish properly, we can significantly reduce the number of native animals injured or killed. It's a call to action for all Australians to become more mindful of the impact of their daily activities on the environment and take steps to protect our precious wildlife.
