Central Coast Zoo 'publicity stunt' sparks reaction
Have you ever wanted to cuddle a baby meerkat?
If so, we are actually one-upping that for the first time in Australia's history.
We are doing bottle feeding for our hand-raised meerkats here at Amazement.
Not only will you guys get to bottle feed our baby meerkats, but you'll also get to meet two of our lovely meerkat mobs as well, right here at Amazement.
we really look forward to seeing you this school holidays, bye.
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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Discovery in remote bushland prompts renewed calls to combat Aussie crisis
For millions of years, Australia evolved in near-isolation, its unique ecosystems untouched by the threats posed by introduced species from overseas. But, when Europeans arrived, that all changed. Now, we have one of the worst track records in the world when it comes to invasive pests, with everything from cane toads, foxes, feral pigs and deer running amok across unimaginably large parts of the country. While some species generate a lot of attention, others often escape the spotlight. That's mainly been the case for feral donkeys in Australia, despite there being between two to five million living in the country, according to the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions. Feral donkeys were originally introduced in the 19th century for transport and work in remote areas, particularly in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, but after becoming redundant with mechanisation, many were released or escaped and have since established large populations. This month, a herd was spotted in Victoria, much farther south than their usual range. Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University, Euan Ritchie, said that while in this case, it's more likely the group escaped from a nearby property rather than an "expansion into the area from feral populations". But, he warned it's "concerning" whenever invasive animals are detected in regions where they don't already occur. In an interview with Yahoo, he said it's especially alarming "when it happens in conservation areas such as national parks". "Such incidents need to be acted on swiftly to ensure populations don't become established and to minimise any environmental harm," Ritchie warned. What damage do feral donkeys do to Australia's environment? Ritchie explained that feral donkeys can cause a range of issues, some potentially devastating to already fragile ecosystems. He said their impact includes overgrazing, which reduces plant cover and diversity while promoting the spread of woody, unpalatable species; the dispersal of weeds via their fur and droppings; soil compaction and erosion; the risk of transmitting parasites and diseases to other animals; and competition with native wildlife — such as kangaroos, wallaroos, and wallabies — for food and access to waterholes. As a result of more open vegetation, it can make it easier for feral cats and foxes to hunt native wildlife, Ritchie added. "Further, Australia has over 1000 species of threatened plants, and grazing by introduced and feral herbivores, including donkeys, increases their risk of extinction," he said. To make matters worse, feral donkeys are "generalist and very hardy herbivores" and have the potential to invade most terrestrial ecosystems in the country. "Given that Australia's ecosystems are already under severe pressure from a range of threats, we must do all we can to prevent any further new and compounding impacts, such as those posed by the spread and increased abundance of feral donkeys." How can the public fight back? Across the vast areas where feral donkeys are found, the most effective control methods include aerial and ground shooting, exclusion fencing, and — where terrain allows — localised trapping and mustering. Another technique involves using "Judas donkeys" — sterilised donkeys fitted with tracking devices that are released to join wild herds, making it easier for authorities to locate and cull the rest of the group. But, because they occur over "very large areas of arid and northern Australia, much of which is in very remote and rugged" country, this is difficult, with little to no road access to some regions. "They also occur in very large numbers in some areas, meaning control efforts need to be substantial and sustained in order to meaningfully reduce their numbers and impacts," Ritchie said. He said this highlights the essential need for early intervention when it comes to invasive species. "It's far cheaper and easier to control a population of invasive animals before they become established, abundant, and widespread. Donkeys are no different in this respect. Intervening early also minimises any potential harm to the environment and agriculture," Ritchie said. In recent decades, it's estimated that in excess of $80 million has been spent on donkey eradication efforts, with over 500,000 killed in the Kimberley Region of WA alone since the 1970s. "All invasive species can potentially have significant impacts on Australia's wildlife and ecosystems, and they can compound other threats," Ritchie added. 🎣 Plea after fisherman fined $2000 for 'doing the wrong thing' 🏡 Worrying find in suburban town highlights growing problem 🌳 Aussies urged to know telltale sign as pest threatens every state In some areas, ecosystems might be affected by multiple invasive, large herbivores and omnivores, meaning the total grazing pressure on vegetation is unsustainable and can lead to biodiversity decline and extinction. "In northern Australia, for example, some areas have feral donkeys, feral horses, feral cattle, feral water buffalo and feral pigs, all in the same area. In arid Australia, feral camels, feral donkeys, feral horses, feral cattle, feral goats and introduced European rabbits may all co-occur," Ritchie said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Photos of Aussie tourist town reveal unlikely solution to major national issue
An impressive 12 hectares of potentially flammable land has been cleared from a picturesque tourist attraction thanks to a group of very hungry Aussie animals. For the past several weeks, ravenous goats have been working their way through thick vegetation in hard-to-reach areas of the Putta Bucca Wetlands — a disused quarry turned native paradise located just outside the western NSW town of Mudgee. From April to June, the animals were guided to dense areas where machinery could not reach, helping to reduce the bushfire risk at the popular outdoor spot ahead of summer, all while supporting the unique surroundings. 'The herd was moved progressively through the site to target over-vegetated areas while avoiding disturbance to environmentally sensitive zones,' Hollie Smith, an operational officer for NSW RFS — Cudgegong District, told Yahoo News. Video footage of the dozens of goats eagerly munching on long grass in steep, rocky and wet terrain has been praised by Aussies online, many of whom deemed the project a 'fantastic idea' and requested it be "conducted near their home". The clip also shows before and after images of the grazed areas, highlighting the stark difference the animals made. Goats remove invasive weed species, help regenerate native flora The goats, which grazed a total of 12.3 hectares, were confined using temporary fencing and 'strategically placed to match areas with high fuel loads or specific vegetation targets', Smith explained. 'They are only kept in each section for a short period — just long enough to effectively reduce the fuel loads.' And that's not the only benefit. 'The goats also consume invasive weed species and research shows that after passing through their four-chambered digestive system, only about 15 out of 1,000 seeds remain viable — helping support the natural regeneration of native flora by reducing weed competition,' Smith told Yahoo. The animals were supplied and managed by Dry Creek Farm at Mudgee. The local contractor specialising in targeted land management via grazing runs a herd of about 200 goats, with a rotating number used on individual jobs. Rare species tracked down in remote Aussie creek Cyclists' discovery in forest highlights growing Aussie issue: 'Prolific' Dead scientist's 'time capsule' in vault key to resurrecting Aussie species Goats utilised across NSW as part of ongoing grazing trial The project is part of a continuing trial into targeted grazing that was developed by NSW RFS in response to the state government's inquiry into the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. 'Putta Bucca was identified in the Cudgegong District Bush Fire Risk Management Plan and, due to its proximity to residential areas, environmental significance, and limited machinery access caused by thick vegetation growth, it was considered an ideal location for the trial,' Smith said. Similar trials have been conducted in various areas of the state as part of an ongoing effort to explore alternative hazard reduction methods, including the South Coast, the Liverpool Ranges, and the Wellington Caves near Dubbo. The trial was also carried out in Clandulla late last year following a wetter-than-average spring, Smith said. 'Another site that has been grazed within the past four years is along the Lue railway corridor. In both locations, the local communities have enjoyed seeing the goats in action and have taken a strong interest in the valuable role this method plays in bushfire risk management.' Several countries utilise goats to help clear flammable vegetation including the US, Canada, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Herd of goats reduce bushfire risk at Aussie tourist attraction
An impressive 12 hectares of flammable vegetation has been cleared from the Putta Bucca Wetlands thanks to a group of very hungry goats. Source: NSW RFS – Cudgegong District/Dry Creek Farm Mudgee
