E
FRE
July 2, 2013
Your independent local newspaper
-
Issue 61
Ph: 4325 7369
Unidentified creature still a mystery n unidentified creature that washed up on Wamberal beach on Tuesday, June 25, is currently being studied by Quarantine in an attempt to identify it.
A
The giant rat-like creature was examined by local environmental activist Mr Jake Cassar and has been described as similar to a brush tailed possum. Mr Cassar said he wasn’t sure it was a brush tailed possum, as it was “a little bit different”. “It has a very elongated skull, very, very long ears, very sharp teeth, much like a rodent and very humanlike hands and a long tail. ‘It is a very powerful, large creature. “I would love to think it’s something unusual or not
known, but I’m just really not sure. “There are many different views out there, but whatever happens, I have had a heap of fun and this thing has captured the attention and imagination of thousands,” said Jake. An answer from Quarantine was expected to be received on Monday, July 1, however, it was not available at the time Coast Community News went to press. Kaitlin Watts, 1 Jul 2013
New weed endangers threatened species new exotic weed has been discovered on Saratoga Island Nature Reserve in Brisbane Water near Davistown.
A
The invasive weed known as Sicilian Sea Lavender (Limonium hyblaeum) has been known to displace native species in both South Australia and Victoria, but this is the first time it has been found invading natural environments on the Central Coast. National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) acting regional manager, Mr Alan Henderson said that the weed was invading the important saltmarsh vegetation communities on the island. “The weed is displacing native plant species and it can lead to the loss of biodiversity and impact on these fragile and important communities. “Sea lavender is used in cultivated gardens, but
its escape into natural bushland is devastating to environment and it has now become an invasive weed causing problems on the island,” Mr Henderson said. Coastal saltmarsh is listed under the Threatened Species Conservation Act as an endangered ecological community and provides important habitat for marine and terrestrial animals such as crabs, molluscs, insects and spiders. Fish species also use the area during tidal flooding and many migratory wading birds use the areas for roosting and feeding. “Our priority is to rid the island of this weed to help the saltmarsh areas recover and ensure this important habitat is maintained for native species of the Central
Coast. “We will engage bush regeneration contractors to undertake work to remove the weed,” Mr Henderson said. This will involve hand removal of the weed species and include measures to prevent the weed spreading or recolonising. The dumping of garden refuse into natural areas is one way that weeds can disperse, particularly close to waterways. The community is reminded to ensure they use appropriate methods for the disposal of garden refuse including green bins supplied by council. Media release, 21 Jun 2013 Susan Davis, National Parks and Wildlife Service