Local environment group The Coastwatchers Association is engaging businesses in its community wildlife survey.
Bush-based landholders and nature groups have already received a questionnaire and encouragement to use the iNaturalist app to record significant wildlife in the Eurobodalla and lower Shoalhaven.
Volunteer organizer Keith Joliffe says the business community is vital to the area’s nature-based economy, has great networks and offers special insights. “That’s why we’re extending the survey in this direction,” Dr Joliffe said. “Next year, we hope to engage school students.”
The survey is tracking wildlife patterns after the 2019-2020 bushfires. “We’re linking three goals – bushfire recovery, threatened species resilience and planning for strategically placed vegetation corridors,” Dr Joliffe explained.
The wildlife survey is part of a Coastwatchers partnership with the Great Eastern Ranges “Cores, Corridors and Koalas” initiative funded by World Wildlife Fund-Australia. It encompasses plantings on private properties, Spotted-tailed Quoll research, Greater Glider spotlighting, Koala habitat weed control and a roadside virtual fencing pilot with Eurobodalla Shire Council and WIRES.
Anyone wanting to be part of the eyes and ears can contact Keith Joliffe on 0427 546 156, or through the website link http://www.coastwatchers.org.au/contact/
Greater Glider - Photo supplied
