Cry of the Forests

WA’s south-west forests are part of one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and are recognised for their ability to capture and store carbon. They are vital to slowing run-away climate change yet instead of preserving them we are cutting them down at an alarming rate for charcoal, firewood and woodchips. Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle but the streams that once bubbled through these ecological communities are drying up and the critical habitat they provide for endangered species is shrinking. Cry of the Forests takes viewers to the heart of the forests to see first-hand the beauty of these towering ecosystems and the life they support. We meet the activists armed with go-pros and dressed in camouflage gear risking their lives to bear witness to the logging and we meet traditional custodians, tourist operators & farmers on the frontline of the battle to protect our forests.
This film seeks to change perceptions about native forests and their true value.

Birds in Paradise 

SJ Equestrian Property Regenerative Soil Health Trial

Black Cockatoos and Bushland 

2021 Great Cocky Count

The Great Cocky Count (GCC) is a long-term citizen science survey and the biggest single survey for black-cockatoos in Western Australia. On one night in autumn, volunteers monitor known roost sites and count black-cockatoos as they come into their evening roosts. Records submitted from across the southwest provide a snapshot of black-cockatoo populations, and over time this has helped us quantify the changes in black-cockatoo numbers.

A key aim of the GCC is to survey as many roost sites as possible. We need your help to make the 2021 GCC the most comprehensive survey yet.

The GCC will be on Sunday March 28, 2021 at sunset (approximately 5.30-7pm in Perth). Registrations are now open (see link below) and will close on March 7, 2021.

To register for this year's Great Cocky Count, please click here. 
 

Australia Day Awards

Who dug that hole? 

Have you noticed any small excavation work going on at your place? Have a closer look, it may be just rabbits or it may be the work of a little local marsupial called a quenda (Isoondon fusciventer). Quenda is the Noongar name for a species of bandicoot endemic to the southwest of Australia.

While foraging for food quenda tend to create a cone shaped hollow quiet distinct from rabbit diggings which are usually larger and square ended. The images below show a quenda digging on the left, note the shallow pointed shape as compared to the rabbit digging on the right which is deeper and blunt ended.

Quenda are known as ‘ecosystem engineers’ moving tonnes of soil each year in their search for food. Quenda eat insects, worms, small vertebrates and plant matter. This soil movement assists with leaf litter decomposition, soil microbiology and the health of our native flora.

Quenda are similar in size to a small rabbit with a compact body, long pointed nose, small ears and short tail. They have been mistaken for large rats but their compact body and short tail make them quiet distinct. They can carry up to six young in a pouch that faces backwards. The rear facing pouch is designed to help prevent it filing with soil from all that digging.

Unfortunately like many of our native species quenda numbers are declining through loss of habitat, competition for space and food from feral animals such as rabbits, predation from foxes and cats and motor vehicle trauma. Quenda are found in shrubby areas with plenty low dense understorey. Some property owners may be fortunate and have them visit their own backyards.

Nyoongar Calendar
 

Bunuru is the hottest time of the year with little to no rain. Hot easterly winds continue with a cooling sea breeze most afternoons if you're close to the coast. Therefore, traditionally this was, and still is, a great time for living and fishing by the coast, rivers and estuaries. Because of this, freshwater foods and seafood made up major parts of the diet during this time of year.

Bunuru is also a time of the white flowers with lots of white flowering gums in full bloom, including Jarrah, Marri and Ghost Gums.

Another striking flower that is hard to go past is the female Zamia (Macrozamia riedlei). Being much larger than that of its male counterpart, the huge cones emerge from the centre of the plant with masses of a cotton wool like substance.

As the hot, dry weather continues the seed upon the cones change from green to bright red, indicating they're ripening and becoming more attractive to animals, particularly the emu, that will eat the toxic fleshy outer.

- South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council

Species: Macrozamia riedlei