Hydromys
chrysogaster
The Australian Platypus Conservancy has recently
initiated Water-rat Report, a community-based
monitoring program for the Australian water-rat.
This attractive native rodent (also known as
rakali) is the largest mammal to share the
platypus’s freshwater habitat.
The Australian water-rat occupies an ecological
niche similar to that of otters on other
continents and has many otter-like traits,
including a streamlined body, partly webbed hind
feet and luxuriously dense, water-repellent fur.
Water-rat Report is modelled on the APC’s
successful Platypus Care project: reports
of past and present sightings of Hydromys are
being collected to learn more about the
species’ current status and distribution.
Identifying
Features and Behaviour
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Water-rats are shaped for life in
the water, looking more like a small
otter than a barn rat:
³ Hind
feet are broad and paddle-like, with
webbing present between the toes
³ Tail
is well-furred and thick (to help
serve as a rudder when swimming)
³ Ears
are small and can be folded flat
against the head (for streamlined
profile)
³ Muzzle
is blunt with a thick set of
whiskers (to help find food at night
and underwater)
³ Fur
is soft, dense, lustrous and
water-repellent (to dry quickly and
help keep the animal warm)
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Based on
anecdotal reports, water-rats will travel
several hundred metres across dry land in order
to dine on delicacies, such as pet food left our
regularly on a back porch. These animals
also appear to have the rare ability to be able
to kill the introduced cane toads, without
falling victim to the toad’s poisonous parotid
glands.
Social
Organisation and Life Cycle
Apart from females raising
dependent offspring, water-rats lead solitary
lives. The animals are highly territorial,
marking their areas with a strong and
distinctive scent. Mating occurs in late
winter to early summer, with juveniles appearing
from September to February. Females
generally begin to breed at (or after) the age
of 8 months, and raise up to five litters
(though usually just 1-2) per year, each
typically composed of 3-4 juveniles. The
young remain with their mother for about two
months before leaving home. It is believed
that water-rats normally survive for a maximum
of about 3 or 4 years in the wild. For
more information:- Visit the Australian Platypus
Conservancy website……
www.platypus.asn.au
Phascolarctos
cinereus
Koalas are
marsupials, like kangaroos and wombats. Unlike
placental mammals, marsupials are mammals that
give birth to very underdeveloped young that
then complete their development outside the
mother's body - often in a pouch.
Adult koalas
weigh between four and 14 kilograms depending on
their sex and where they are from. Males are up
to 50 per cent heavier than females. Koalas from
Victoria normally weigh eight to 12 kilograms,
while those from Queensland weigh between five
and seven kilograms
Predators?
Koalas have few
natural predators. In the past, the major cause
of death appears to have been dingoes. Young
koalas may occasionally be taken by powerful
owls or wedge-tailed eagles
Territories?
Koalas don't
protect a territory of their own. However, each
koala does have an area of regularly used food
trees called a home range. Home ranges vary in
size depending on the nature of the habitat, but
are usually less than three hectares in size
The koala's thick
fur acts as a great insulator. In cold weather,
a koala huddles in a ball with its back to the
wind. On hot days, it stretches out along a
branch. It may also seek shade on the ground or
in non-eucalypt trees with dense foliage
Threats to
Koalas
Many koala
populations, including Phillip Island's, are
under threat from habitat loss, dog attacks, and
cars. As many populations decline, others, such
as those on French Island, are at risk through
overpopulation of their limited habitat. This
leads to over-browsing and destruction of the
trees, threatening the koalas with starvation.
Below are some simple things that you can do to
help.
Habitat loss
is the greatest threat facing koalas.
There is an urgent need for habitat conservation
and restoration, including wildlife corridors to
link isolated patches of habitat.
How
you can help
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At
home
· Many
koalas, including the one pictured,
are mauled and killed by dogs. Don't
allow your dog to roam at any time,
and restrain it at night if koalas
are likely to use trees on your
property.
· Fencing
that creates difficult barriers for
koalas increases the likelihood of
dog attacks and road kills. If you
have high, smooth fencing around
your property, consider growing
trees against the fence to give
koalas an escape route. Even a piece
of wood placed at an angle against
the fence could solve the problem.
On
the road
· Take
extra care when animals are most
active. Koalas are active at night,
particularly during the mating
season between August and December.
Other native species, such as
kangaroos and wallabies, are most
active at dawn and dusk.
· Take
extra care when driving through well
vegetated areas, especially those
areas sign-posted for native
animals.
· Be
aware of the distance it takes to
stop your car at high speed.
· Use
high beam when driving at night and
slow down if you need to dip your
headlights for other motorists.
· Don't
drive if you are fatigued.
· If
you do hit a koala or find an
injured, sick, or dead animal,
please stop and help.
Information on how to assist is
available on the following
websites……
https://www.savethekoala.com/
http://home.vicnet.net.au/~koalas/
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