Grabbing a torch and spotter’s log and discovering Australia’s wildlife under the stars!
Australia’s biodiversity is unique with many species found nowhere else on the planet!
You can help efforts to save these native species by participating in Tiwest Night Stalk.
What is Tiwest Night Stalk?
Tiwest Night Stalk is a nation-wide spotlight survey of native and feral species. During the six weeks of Tiwest Night Stalk, surveys are conducted around Australia by a range of groups including families, schools, community groups and other organisations.
The surveys, which can be completed on any night between 1 September and 16 October, are designed to collect information about animal numbers and their distribution.
This information is extremely important and will be collated into a nationwide database that can be accessed by individuals, schools, community groups and conservation agencies.
The Story Behind Tiwest Night Stalk
The concept for the Great Australian Marsupial Night Stalk was developed by a Perth Zoo staff member in 1999 as a National Science Week activity and was run as a collaborative effort between Perth Zoo and the then, Marsupial Cooperative Research Centre (CRC). The annual Night Stalk event proved to be extremely popular and in 2001 was chosen as the national research project for Science Week.
The closure of the Marsupial CRC in 2003 resulted in a loss of funding for the program. However, Perth Zoo is very pleased that major resource company, Tiwest, has stepped in to provide vital support for the program, with a three-year sponsorship of Night Stalk.
Tiwest Manager of Corporate and Government Affairs, Brett McIntosh, says Tiwest chose to support Night Stalk in recognition of the importance of community education and participation in conservation efforts.
“Environmental management and sustainability are an integral part of the Tiwest culture and having the privilege to be involved in such a worthwhile program as Night Stalk is important to the organisation,” Mr McIntosh says. “The partnership will dovetail with a number of conservation initiatives that are already being undertaken within the Tiwest operations and we look forward to many years of association with Perth Zoo.”
In 2008 the Tiwest Night Stalk program grew to include all species sightings – birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. In 2009 the program focussed on nocturnal birds while 2010 was linked with the International Year of Biodiversity with ‘spotters’ being asked to record every type of animal they saw including invertebrates and fish.
Why do it?
By participating you’ll not only have FUN, you will also collect valuable data on Australian native species and feral pests. You will also be raising community awareness of native species, their habitats and the major threats to their survival.
What do we hope to achieve from the survey?
The objectives for the program are –
- To increase public awareness and understanding about native animals in the local environment.
- To increase public awareness and understanding about introduced species in the local environment.
- To increase public awareness and understanding about varied habitats in the local area.
- To encourage community monitoring of native and introduces species to contribute useful data for community and agency application.
- To develop and maintain networks and partnerships to share data and information across Australia.
- To increase public awareness about environmental issues through community based education activities.
- To encourage the general public to value and protect their natural heritage.
- To encourage a change in common attitudes and behaviour leading to conservation action.
What will I learn by being involved in Tiwest Night Stalk?
Your group will learn more about your local wildlife including which species are present and where they are likely to be found.
You will see how different land use can affect the distribution of native animals. Feral animals may feature more frequently in some areas and even out-number native species.
By participating in an Australian-wide fauna survey, you will increase your understanding of how and why this type of fieldwork is carried out and learn about what you can do to help conserve our native animals.
What else can I do to help?
There are many other ways you can help conserve our native species. Here are a few suggestions to help get you started.
- Analyse your group’s data. This is not required as part of your Tiwest Night Stalk involvement but schools, conservation and community groups may want to take their survey work further, especially if they have a specific reason for surveying their chosen area or want to know more about their local wildlife.
- Produce a poster illustrating your survey methods and results for display at your local school, community centre, shire offices or public library.
- Join a local community group that is active in on-the-ground recovery actions, such as revegetating areas to provide habitat for native animals.
- Lobby your local council to protect an area of native vegetation.
- Protect an area of native vegetation on or near your property.
- Survey your local fauna seasonally for your own information.
