2025 January From Sarah Cole:
Gariwerd Pest Plant Project Officer
In the coming weeks, until we have sufficient rain to stimulate the growth of foraging foods, we are supplying some supplementary macropod foods via helicopter to our Critically Endangered Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby colony. Gariwerd is home to one of only two colonies in Victoria and its numbers are estimated to be around 20 individuals. Supplementary feeding is not always recommended and only applied in very specific circumstances, we are working with DEECA, researchers and Zoos Victoria and our feeding rates and schedules are overseen by veterinarians with wildlife specialities.
We are currently working on a weekly cycle and we would like to invite FOGG members to work in partnership with Halls Gap Landcare to create the food supplies.
There are positions available for FOGG / Halls Gap Landcare members for Tuesday mornings to assist in the packing of the foods.
We will rotate volunteers to give as many people as possible, the opportunity to participate.
The packs will be created in Halls Gap between 9 -11.30am location TBC.
Supplementary feeding is likely to continue for many weeks.
Poster Brush-Tailed Rock Wallaby Info
Please note: Due to the shy nature of Brush Tail Rock Wallabies, we ask that volunteers are careful to not wear perfume, perfumed deodorant, sunscreen, scented soaps and to ensure clothing is clean and as free of body odour and perfume as possible. We will do our best to ensure that we are not leaving a strong scent on the food packages being dropped.
All volunteers will need to be signed up through Park Connect as volunteers, registration for the events will be by invitation once a roster has been made.