Category: 2019 Spring Newsletter

Unfortunately, the walk did not go ahead due to horrible weather, but a couple of us got there later. Bit harder than expected (rock climbing due to a small navigational error!!!!) and very prickly bushbashing…but got there! Back to the cars by 3 after a 10.30 start. Easier coming down the back way.

Bill… Read the rest

Clive gave us a very interesting talk on his experiences using wildlife cameras on their property near Mt Dryden. What to look for when purchasing a camera, how and where to set one up, traps to avoid etc. Plus enchanting pictures of the native and non-native animals, some of which they have not seen in the flesh but only on the camera. I hope to have more on this in our next issue.

Margo… Read the rest

Two years ago, a new species of clam shrimp was described by Prof Timms endemic to the northern Grampians rockpools or gnammas as they are more correctly known. He returned on 15/16^th  of August as part of a  larger study into the ecology of gnammas in SE Australia, studying macroinvertebrates, zooplankton, and phytoplankton (this latter being undertaken by Dr Luciana Barbosa, a lecturer from the University of Paraiba in Brazil, who accompanied the Prof on this trip). Unfortunately his studies have been somewhat abbreviated due to delays by Parks Victoria in issuing a research permit, a matter on which FOGGs intervened on his behalf.

Eight gnammas on Flat Rock near Mt Zero were identified and surveyed and will be visited several times as the season progresses. In addition, four gnammas at Mt Arapiles were surveyed.  Even at this early stage the results are most interesting. The endemic clam shrimp … Read the rest