News from Wildlife Searchers.

On Tuesday 29 November about 40 people from various groups – Possum Centre, FAWNA, Cape to Cape Catchment Council, RSPCA – and individuals – including a vet - came together at Matan’s Gallery on Caves Road to search the areas worst affected by the Margaret River fires. Some individuals later in the week also checked private properties they had access to for surviving wildlife.

The following are excerpts from various reports:

The general feeling on Tuesday was ‘we were too little, too late’ and ‘we had to stand around for an hour and a half while DEC (love you Kim!) decided if we could go or not.’

‘We got there at 9 am and it was 10.30 before anything was organised enough for us to search anywhere. This was wasted search time in my eyes.  We listened to good info but it was repeated many times by various people.  It could have been co-ordinated so much better especially as a few people had to leave by 12.’

DEC finally decided not to give permission to enter DEC land – which was most of the area people wanted to search.

‘So off we went to walk and drive past some of the most awful scenery I have ever seen. Down Ellenbrook Rd - which DEC said was closed, but there were tourists in there looking at the damage. DEC have no idea!

'Even though we didn't find any possums, we might have saved a few - as we noticed two cats and caught one of them. It was only a kitten but might have grown into an efficient hunter. The 'sister' got away but next morning she was in the trap we put there the same night. The kittens are in care and looking for a nice indoor habitat - after being sterilised of course.'

‘Our group was frustrated by the fact we were so limited on where we could go.  I think we all had an image in our head that we were going to be able to achieve so much more but instead ended up fluffing around the edges & not able to be very effective.  Our group was not very decisive either so we wasted time on debating where to go.  Not having a very good knowledge on the area limited our effectiveness.  We basically didn’t find anything dead or alive.  Not much to report at all.’ 

‘My group searched the Kilcarnup area - we found two dead adult possums a few meters apart, 1 male and 1 female (pouch empty). We also found 1 kangaroo burnt to crisp and unrecognisable. This area was towards the back or west of the subdivision.  
We were amazed that more bodies were not found - either the animals made it or they were totally incinerated by the heat.
However, one property had a large green area and there was lots of fresh roo poo so there must be a large number congregating in the evening on that patch of grass.  This could be an area where some should be relocated as everything around them is burnt so not sure where they would shelter/rest during the day.’

‘We also found 1 young possum, (all ringtails) who must have only been dead a little while, he was still limp, not burnt in any way. He was near the creak towards Caves Road.  If we had been there the day before, we may have found him alive.’

‘We also found 1 live roo jumping around in a burnt out area on its own - he hopped away easily so must be ok.  Other than that, lots of small birds and small lizards but otherwise desolate.’

‘A coastal burn is a bleak thing to experience, isn't it? We had access to such limited areas, due to DEC control, but I think anything still on the ground by now is dead, and  anything in the trees is on its own until it gets so sick it comes to someone's attention, if at all.’

‘My friend and I later went into a few properties further south  on Caves Road to talk with land owners, especially those with some saved peppies to make them aware of possums seeking refuge and asking them to call us if they spot any. Always very positive response! And we found some nice areas unburnt as well, cutting through some back areas and firebreaks, which gives more hope for finding seed for revegetation of endemic species.’

‘One thing I did wonder while searching is that the first signs of green shoots were visible in a few spots and that the fire went through so hot and so fast that with hope the roots of plants were not destroyed and come autumn we could see some good new growth.  Still - such a long way off for all the wildlife that survived.’

‘ Later on Tuesday, the vets decided to visit an injured roo reported from Ellenbrook  area, to assess and perhaps euthanize if necessary on site, but DEC  would not even let them approach the animal, as it was on DEC land.’

‘I’ve been down to Ellenbrook last night and early today. I saw 2 healthy roos but also found one dead and half-eaten ringtail.
Last night, there was also a large male roo hoping across looking ok as far as I could tell as it was dark.
People have demolished all of DEC’s signs so I went for another walk around the place but did not find anything. Maybe a night walk would give better results. I believe it is fairly safe now.’

‘A sign at Ellensbrook beach had been graffitteed in charcoal. ‘Coastal Risk’ had been crossed out to read ‘DEC Risk’, and underneath DEC--Don't  Even Care.

‘My thoughts are that if we can do anything, we have to get close to the backburned areas in Redgate, these have still been burning on the weekend and Monday. But there is no way that DEC will let us in. I will drive by sometime tomorrow and see if non-residents are allowed in.’

‘Tuesday was a good experience despite the late start and yes DEC were way too cautious. From what we saw, there would be little point in any further searches now - IT IS TOO LATE.  As humans who know the risk we should have been able to sign a disclaimer and enter at our own risk to areas known to have been heavily populated.  We could not get near the State Park.’

‘There are many areas not searched as the entire area is huge, to only be searching on the edges was wasteful as animals in those area would already have been found.’

‘A great effort was made by those that turned up, and stacks of towels, pillow slips were donated.’

‘We would happily search again if the general thought was it would be worthwhile’.