24 August 2009

Do you know what birds, bats, mammals and frogs are found in your area? Do you live next door to a rare native animal and don’t know it? Then get involved in Tiwest Night Stalk and find out.

Members of the public, schools and organisations across Australia are being asked to take part in a nationwide survey of animals as part of efforts to help save Australia’s threatened native species.

The eleventh annual Tiwest Night Stalk, investigating the diversity and abundance of native fauna and feral pests across Australia, kicks off on 1 September and runs through until 16 October.

The nationwide night-time spotlight survey, sponsored by major resource company Tiwest, is coordinated by Perth Zoo where threatened native species are successfully bred for release into the wild.

Perth Zoo Chief Executive Susan Hunt said Tiwest Night Stalk is an important national project which provides data and raises awareness of Australia’s unique yet vulnerable native animals.

Ms Hunt said Australian animals including fish, frogs, birds, reptiles and mammals, were under increasing threat of extinction due to feral pests and the impact of humans.

“We have already lost more than 50 frog, bird and mammal species in Australia and more than 60 species of Australian plants, and there are a further 367 animal species threatened with extinction,” Ms Hunt said.

“The Tiwest Night Stalk survey provides data for conservation agencies and increases our understanding of Australia’s native species, their habitats and the major threats they face.

“Taking part in Tiwest Night Stalk is a fun and easy way for people to connect with nature and inspire them to take an interest in what can be found in their own backyard.”

“It is important that we involve everyday people and organisations in community projects to help save our fauna and that we increase understanding about extinction rates and the severe decline in species that have occurred in Australia particularly in the last 50 years.

“All people need to do is get together a group to undertake a spotlight survey in their local area and record any animals they see including frogs, birds, reptiles, mammals and feral pests like foxes, cats and rabbits.

“The survey can be completed on any night during the six weeks of Tiwest Night Stalk.”

Data collected during Tiwest Night Stalk is collated and analysed at Perth Zoo. Results are posted on the Perth Zoo website and the data is made available to wildlife and conservation agencies as well as wildlife atlases.

To find out more about Tiwest Night Stalk – including how to organise a local survey – go to www.perthzoo.wa.gov.au/nightstalk or call (08) 9474 0497.