WHY WE CAN'T CONSERVE KOALAS - Letter to the Editor, Courier Mail

May 23, 2009

Koalas are rapidly marching down the path to extinction, along with a host of our other forest-dwelling wildlife.  Do not think for one moment that I am being alarmist or exaggerating:  losing nearly 50% of a koala population every 5-15 years (that's based on the figures from a bureaucratic and conservative Queensland EPA) is not a statistic that is conducive to long-term survival.

The simplistic reason for this dramatic decline in koala numbers is that people like to live, work and farm land in the same areas that koalas like to live.  So we bulldoze and cut down their forests to make way for our houses, factories and agriculture, then slice up any remaining habitat with highways, roads and other infrastructure, which koalas either cannot cross, or die in their attempts to do so.  If you're the type of person who thinks that wildlife should just be protected in national parks and reserves, then here's something to think about: The proportion of koala habitat actually contained and protected in national parks and reserves is not enough to ensure their survival. It's as simple as that.

Dig a little deeper into the koala issue and you find that the more complex and disgusting truth is that the real conservation of koalas is a very low priority for our state and federal governments.  What is  more important for them is the appearance of wanting to conserve koalas, because that can win votes, but from a political standpoint,  koalas are nothing more than an irritation, albeit an irritation that can occasionally have significant political consequences.

The demise of the Goss government in Queensland in the 1995 election is partly attributed to their keenness to put a highway smack in the middle of a major koala habitat.  They lost power and the road did not go ahead.    However, they did learn that a brazen disregard for koalas might not be a good public image -- better to appear to care for the iconic animal.  Then followed a number of State Planning Policies for koala conservation and the much anticipated "Koala Plan" of 2006.  Although appearing to do so, none of these documents ever seriously addressed the issues causing the decline of koalas.  It is apparent now that they were never intended to:  the perceived consequences of ratifying a document that had real intent and the teeth to enforce it was not really in the best political interests of the government of the day.   The result is obvious: koala populations are still in dramatic decline, particularly in south east Queensland.  

The koala populations of the Darling Downs and brigalow belt out west were dealt their final blow with Peter Beattie's announcement of the impending "ban" on broad-scale land-clearing.  He gave landholders nearly three years notice of the intention of the Vegetation Management Act to regulate the clearing of remnant vegetation.  So they got busy.  D9s dragging massive chains worked around the clock clearing land as fast as the machinery could go.  Very few animals survive this brutal and destructive process -- those that do are generally fatally maimed and die slow deaths from their injuries, dehydration and starvation.   The 100,000 or so koalas that once lived in these areas were not immune.  A few still hang on in remnants of habitat, but their days are numbered -- the population so sparse and scattered that it cannot maintain itself.

The ecological term for the point of no return is "the tipping point".  Even though koalas are still relatively widespread in distribution, many of the remaining populations are small, isolated and have passed their tipping points -- they are doomed to extirpation (localised extinction). 

Unfortunately tipping points are hard to predict and slip by unnoticed by us, the stewards of the land: the tragic and inevitable consequences may not manifest sometimes for years. 

As if loss of habitat, plummeting numbers and political indifference (or even malevolence) were not enough, koalas are not a healthy bunch either.  We've known for years of their susceptibility to chlamydial infection, the bacterial scourge that causes blindness, infertility and urinary infections.  The recent discovery of an even more sinister and devastating bug, the koala retrovirus, seems just too much for the poor things to bear.  This AIDS-like virus causes leukaemia, cancer and immunodeficiency syndromes at levels tens of times higher than in the human population.  It probably makes koalas much more susceptible to severe chlamydial disease as well.  

As it has done with the other major threats to koala survival, the Queensland Government has treated this discovery with indifference and inaction.  Unlike the Tasmanian government, that has spent over $1 million researching facial tumour disease in Tassie devils, our State government has spent nothing.

Why do our governments care so little about the issues facing our wildlife? Why is it that one of the world's most critically endangered mammals, the northern hairy-nosed wombat, found only in Queensland, has had so little money spent on its recovery that it is just plain embarrassing?  Why is it that when the koala is racing towards extinction, our state and federal governments react by putting up a smoke screen of rhetoric and feigned concern without any intention of meaningful action? The answer is:  I just don't know, and I just don't understand.  All I know is that our descendents, our grandchildren and theirs, will never forgive our inaction at the very time in history when we knew what we were doing, knew the consequences, knew the simple solutions, but failed to act. 

--Bob Irwin

SUSTAINABLE USE - Letter to the Editor, Courier Mail

April 3, 2009

Australia's already gravely endangered wildlife faces a new and lethal threat, one that is spreading rapidly - the lie of "sustainable use".

That phrase, increasingly put about by greedy commercial operators hellbent on exploiting what's left of our native fauna, is a cruel hoax given that our unique wildlife is literally disappearing before our eyes.

"Sustainable use" sounds reasonable enough, but given the reality on the ground for wildlife around the country, it is empty and meaningless spin designed to con the public into accepting what should be unacceptable.

The most recent example is the proposal from crocodile farmers to harvest crocodile eggs from wild salt water crocodile populations in Far North Queensland.

Not only does the proposal disgust me as an animal lover and conservationist but also, as a researcher who has worked closely with these apex predators for over 30 years, it gives me real concern that it would drive crocodiles to extinction.

At first glance the idea might seem sensible, but only if you accept the widespread misconception that crocodile numbers are on the increase and on the march, posing an ever greater threat to people living in coastal areas of northern Australia.

But it is humans who are encroaching into croc country in increasing numbers, which makes it inevitable that there will be more, and sometimes tragic encounters between these magnificent reptiles and people.

Understandably given the public fear and fascination with crocodiles, even a sighting of one of them near a residential area gets front page media coverage, which is inevitably followed by the call that "something must be done about this growing menace".

Back in the real world, crocodile habitat is being reduced and their numbers are falling, with detrimental flow-on affects down the food chain.

Another claim put forward by the crocodile industry is it's alright to steal a few eggs because female salt-water crocodiles produce up to 2500 eggs over their lifetime.  It's another claim that sounds fine until you subject it to scientific scrutiny. Of these 2500 eggs produced over approximately 40 years, only 1% survive to breeding age.  This means that over 40 years, a breeding female salt water crocodile will only produce 25 adult crocodiles.  And bear in mind, salties are already classified by the Queensland Government’s own Environmental Protection Agency as a vulnerable species.

Then would come the problem of policing such a scheme to make sure that so-called "sustainable use" did not become no-holds barred plunder, and unfortunately the Environmental Protection Agency does not have the funding and staff to do the job.
If it were ever introduced, the future of these magnificent creatures who have survived for millennia would left in the hands of an industry for whom they are nothing more than a way to make money.

Another species threatened by the deadly combination of "sustainable use" and widespread ignorance is the kangaroo. Yes, that's right, the kangaroo.
Most people think they are present in huge numbers "out west"; that they wipe out crops, and are a menace to anyone who has to drive through the area at night, especially if you don't have a "bull bar".

Even people sympathetic to the cause of wildlife protection can be convinced that allowing commercial shooters to kill a few roos for their skins and meat is a good move.

Think again. The traditional kangaroo mob has all but disappeared in Australia. Understandably, shooters target the biggest, healthiest roos they come across. Unfortunately, these are also the most prolific breeders and the leaders of the mob.

When they are taken out, the results are devastating for the kangaroo population.  Already the eastern grey and the red kangaroo are threatened species.

Australia’s record of extinct, endangered and threatened species is amongst the worst in the world. 

Let us never be dismissive of compassion and altruism when it is directed at helping animals.
Species and landscapes are important, but species are made up of living, breathing, feeling individuals, just like us, so let us conserve and care for them, as well as their landscapes.
And 'sustainability' is a fine word and a good concept, but not if it is attached to an exploitative industry.

It is now time for urgent action, focused research and a sustained public effort from all Australians to save our unique wildlife before it is too late.

--Bob Irwin

VICTORIAN BUSH FIRE AND WILDLIFE REPORT

March 22, 2009

To find out how best to help and support the people and wildlife involved in the Victorian bush fires, I went down to Victoria, accompanied by Dr. Zali and another friend, to meet those affected and to see the devastation first hand. In particular, I met with the wildlife carers and vets in these areas who dedicate their lives to wildlife.

On the first day, we went into one of the worst affected areas. Very little could have prepared us for what we saw. We were surrounded by the blackened remains of what was once eucalypt forest and had been home to countless wildlife. There was nothing left except ash and burnt-out trees for as far as the eye could see and the bush was so quiet.  

We spent four days traveling to many of the affected regions, meeting people and wildlife. We were told unbelievable stories of survival and saw heartbreaking scenes of destruction and desolation.

But amidst all the tragedy and devastation there was a lot of hope and I had the privilege to meet some very special and caring people. Some of them were left with only the clothes on their back yet despite all they had lost, they did not lose their incredible passion and commitment to wildlife. Several had already begun rebuilding; all spoke of their plans to start again and to continue their life’s work, of caring for and protecting wildlife. I was inspired by their courage, their hope and their unfailing belief in themselves and the bush to begin again.

It is going to take many years to recover, during which time the people of Victoria and the wildlife will require our ongoing support and understanding. My trip reassured me that the wildlife is getting the help it needs from very caring and committed people. Although much of the wildlife in these areas perished, those that survived are being given every chance at rehabilitation. I will be providing my support wherever needed and will be paying particular attention to the plight of the Strzelecki koalas in the South Gippsland region, whose numbers and habitat have been drastically diminished by the fires. I will update you with more information about this situation in the upcoming months.

I would like to thank Lyppard Australia for their support of Dr Zali Brookes in her organising the Victorian Wildlife Bushfire Relief Fund. I thank them all for their generosity and wish them well with their excellent work in continuing to help the vets and wildlife carers of the bushfire affected areas. With the help of donations from very generous and caring people, the fund has been successful in providing much needed veterinary supplies to these dedicated vets and carers. In this way the fund has played an invaluable role in providing specific support to where it is most needed, ensuring the wildlife are given as much help as possible.

I’d also like to give a special thanks to Avis and Qantas, whose generous support ensured our trip to Victoria was a positive one.

--Bob

During our trip to Victoria a network station filmed and broadcast a segment which contained some incorrect information which I would now like to rectify.  At the end of the segment it was incorrectly stated I was affiliated with one particular wildlife group and was raising funds for this group. Despite my request for a correction, this was not done, so I would like to make it clear that my trip to Victoria was to visit ALL wildlife groups, vets and carers involved in the bushfire response, to see how best I could offer my support. I was not and am not associated with any one particular group. I support any wildlife carer whether they are an individual or belong to a larger group, as long as they are humanely and responsibly caring for wildlife. We met all of our own costs with the support of some generous sponsorship.

TURTLE REPORT

January 29, 2009

I have recently become involved with a wonderful and dedicated group of people who are the founders of the Australian Freshwater Turtle Conservation and Research Association (AFTCRA Inc.), a not-for-profit organization devoted to the conservation of our wonderful freshwater turtle species.  With little support, Craig and Gabrielle Latta and their family have generously funded the successful breeding of several species of freshwater turtle for many years, including endangered species such as the Mary River Turtle (Elusor macrurus) and the Irwins Turtle (Elseya irwini). 

Up until recently, captive bred turtles were not allowed to be re-released into the wild due to strict environmental legislation; however with special permission from the Queensland EPA and with the wild population of Mary River Turtles diminishing, the Latta's have been able to breed and release this important species back into its natural environment.  On Australia day this year, I was fortunate to be able to take part in a release ceremony in which 53 juvenile Mary River Turtles were released back into the wild.  This is a great step for the conservation of this species and the Latta's have assured me that they will endeavour to continue this important work. 

More information on volunteering or donating and becoming a member of AFTCRA can be found on their website http://www.aftcra.org.au/.

SOUTHERN HAIRY NOSE WOMBAT REPORT

Having been affiliated with the Wombat Awareness Organisation since its beginnings in 2007 I have followed its progress keenly. In early January of 2009, together with Kenton Campbell owner of Zarraffa's Coffee and dedicated conservationist I revisited the project in the arid Murraylands of South Australia.

Founded by Brigitte Stevens and Frank Mikula, the Wombat Awareness Organisation works within communities providing relief and rehabilitation to the Southern Hairy Nosed Wombat now listed as a threatened species due to the persistent drought and the devastating effects of Sarcoptic Mange.

The influx of over 200 wombats within a 12 month period has instigated the construction of Australia’s first ‘Wombat Intensive Care Unit’. This 'ICU' is the only facility catering for the care of adult Southern Hairy Nosed Wombats and is an essential tool in this conservation effort. During our stay we worked on the construction of this unique, privately funded facility which is due to be officially opened in the coming months.

Funding is desperately needed to source essential specialised equipment such as customised housing, wombat bedding and recovery enclosures and to maintain the services this organisation is providing to conserve these beautiful animals.

--Bob