REZZA GONE WILD

Words & Photos By Rachel Unicomb

I volunteer with a wildlife rescue, and we rely on locals to inform us about displaced or injured wildlife. In Reservoir we mostly receive calls about magpies, brushtail and ringtail possums. Many may consider these animals pests, but they are natives, who have adapted to survive in our increasingly urbanised world – and who can blame them for that? So here are some tips for helping our Rezza wildlife.

It’s important to always consider wildlife before cutting or removing trees. They’re home to lots of creatures, including possums, birds and bats. Recently a Reservoir couple called about a ringtail possum in their backyard. The tree in which its nest was located needed to be cut back, completely exposing it to the sun. I took out an artificial nest made by volunteers from the Friends of Edwardes Lake. Its circular shape is designed to replicate the nest shape built by ringtails (known as a drey). We installed the drey securely in another tree and waited. Several weeks later we discovered not one, but two ringtails were calling it home. We were absolutely thrilled! Consider installing a drey or possum box in your garden if you’d like to discourage possums from nesting in your roof.

Many native animals rear their young in pouches, including possums. If you happen to hit a possum on the road, or find one deceased, it’s important to check its pouch to make sure there isn’t a baby still alive inside, or nearby. If you’re not comfortable checking yourself, this is the time to contact a rescue. It’s also important to move deceased animals from the road so no others are injured trying to reach them.

Avoid feeding wildlife at all times. It is particularly popular to feed mince meat, cat food, or bread to magpies, but this is transferred to growing babies. Because such food does not contain many natural vitamins (particularly calcium) the chick’s development is affected. If you want to feed birds, please buy insects from your local pet shop, dig some worms out of your compost or water your lawn to encourage insects to surface.

Companion animals are a threat to our native wildlife. Always ensure your dog is on lead (unless in a contained off lead area) and under your supervision and control at all times. If you own cats, remember that Darebin Council now has a 7pm – 7am curfew. Cats should never be outside after dark, as this is when they are more likely to hunt wildlife and be injured themselves. It is best to keep your cats indoors at night (and ideally at all times).

The below rescues service the Reservoir area. Even if someone cannot attend immediately, they can offer some great advice over the phone. If you’d like to learn more about how to help wildlife, both organisations offer training days for the public – you can book on their websites.

100% volunteer operated 0417 506 941 wildliferescuers.org.au

Wildlife Victoria

24/7 support - (03) 8400 7300 wildlifevictoria.org.au