THE Western Port Biosphere wants residents of Yaringa, Cannons Creek, Warneet and Blind Bight to join in an animal survey which started in July this year.
“We need baseline data about what animals are living in this area,” biosphere executive officer Cecelia Witton said.
“Residents of this area can help us with this important work by recording what native and pest animals they see on their properties and in neighbouring areas.”
The Western Port Biosphere is using motion sensing cameras in reserves and has been able to record birds, wallabies, echidnas and possums; as well as foxes, dogs and cats.
Ms Witton said the biosphere was keen to extend the range of data collected, and observations by residents could be a vital data source.
She said the data about native and pest animals is used to develop pest animal control programs.
The animal survey program is part of the Western Port Biosphere’s work as a partner in the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority’s Protecting the Ecological Values of the Western Port Ramsar Site project, which is funded by the Australian Government.
Interested residents can join this animal survey by downloading forms from www.biosphere.org.au or by contacting project officer Sally Jacka on 5979 2167.
