Vandals, possibly in an effort to halt the kangaroo cull, destroyed various devices uses in wildlife research at the Callum Brae Nature Reserve.
Dr Don Fletcher says that the volunteers are helping the research get back up to speed despite the vandals attempts.
During the recent kangaroo cull, vandals destroyed devices used for wildlife research in the Callum Brae Nature Reserve, Dr Don Fletcher, Senior Ecologist from the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate confirmed today.
“Following the cull, more than 50 students from local tertiary institutions have volunteered to assist with kangaroo counts, reptile surveys and other activities,” Dr Fletcher said.
“The boost we are getting from the volunteers will significantly reduce the impact of the vandals and strengthen our research efforts.”
Tiles recently positioned for spring reptile surveys have been smashed, and mesh ‘grazing enclosure cages’ have been uprooted. Both the tiles and cages are part of kangaroo research based at various reserves including the Callum Brae Nature Reserve.
“It is obvious that the equipment has been deliberately damaged by an individual or group. The damage first came to our attention during the recent closure of the nature park for the annual kangaroo cull, when rangers reported some damage to research equipment in the area.
“This equipment is used for ongoing research on the endangered grassy ecosystems of Canberra and it is important that we restore the damage, as the volunteers are doing, so we can continue researching and monitoring of our local ecosystems,” Dr Fletcher said.
Anyone who witnessed the incident should report it to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Loading ...
