Cane Toad Tadpole Trap Links

How exciting! Matt G from USYD sent these links through:

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/scientists-led-by-professor-rick-shine-winning-war-on-cane-toad/story-e6frg8y6-1226393525017

http://theconversation.edu.au/great-invaders-poison-could-also-be-its-downfall-7609

I have already offered our volunteer services as Matt wants to trial this in northern NSW next season. How cool!

Cheers, Sharon.

NORTH COAST MYNA NETWORK MEETING 6/06/2012

Laura, Pam and I went down to this get together at the Gladstone Heritage Hotel (near Kempsey). Originally it was planned as a Bar-b-que in a nearby park but thankfully it was moved to the hotel when the weather turned bad.
It was attended by the project officers from the three groups representing the areas from Clarence Valley to Port Macquarie and Kempsey. They all gave brief reports on their tactics, progress and results. Also present were several project managers, representatives from the CMA, NPWS and Landcare together with coordinators and volunteers mainly from the local area.
It was pleasing to hear how things are going in the other areas and to see that the CVCIA's program is good shape. We were also able to discuss current trends, trapping tactics and trap building with other like minded people. All in all it was worth the time and travel.
Cheers Kevin

26/04/12 - Update from Kimberley Toadbusters

This taken from the Kimberley Toadbusters Newsletter. It's more than just about picking up toads...

Kununurra businesses and homes are literally ‘under siege’ from up to 60 young Indigenous children roaming the streets night after night. Breaking and entry and incalculable costs of damage to infrastructure and local business has increased to levels that have long term residents deciding to retire elsewhere and is affecting the social and economic progress of the town. Sadly these children have no supportive ‘home’ to go back to and the ‘street’ is often safer than the family environment they belong to.
Toad busting has become the social ‘glue’ for many of these children and Kimberley Toad Busters, in partnership with Save the Children, the Justice System, and volunteer community members have been using this unusual activity to keep many of these children otherwise engaged.
As a result of the incredible response to toad busting from many of these troubled Indigenous youth KTB decided to take their toad busting program a step further. “Kimberley Toad Busters have now developed the Kids @ Risk Positive Outcomes Program to address social issues within the community associated with juvenile delinquency” stated Danielle Taylor, KTB Board member and local KDHS teacher. She went on to add “The program aims to reduce anti-social behaviour, increase self-esteem, create positive leadership abilities, create self-awareness, and increase school attendance amongst the youth of Kununurra”.

Cheers, Sharon.

Over 2000 less Indian Mynas in the Clarence Valley

Early in March 2012 the CVCIA Indian Myna control programs tally passed 2000. This is since we have been running it and started recording data in January 2011. A hearty congratulation to all the volunteers involved!

Tucabia tackle their Indian Myna problem head on

The Easter Sunday market at Tucabia (east of Grafton) was a resounding success for the CVCIA Indian Myna trapping program. Even though the market attendance was low we, with a great deal of help from Karen the new Tucabia area contact, placed four traps which will be  delivered  to new trappers and we left her a spare trap. The townspeople we spoke to were supportive and interested and with the enthusiasm of Karen and her husband hopefully the Indian Mynas can be controlled here.

As well we talked to a group of the Queenslanders who visited the market as part of their bus outing from the Sunshine Coast where Indian Mynas are a serious threat to their beloved native birds. They need help and we urged them to attempt to get their council or local Landcare group interested. It’s really disappointing to have to say to such concerned people that it is difficult for us to assist apart from trap plans, advice and sympathy.

We have another trap to deliver to a couple we met here from Coutts Crossing, which will be done later this week on our next visit to Grafton. Incidentally our newest CO₂ euthanasing location is at Coutts.

30/03/12 - Brooms Head Family Toad Night

Well, Brooms Head family toad night ended up being 5 CIA toadbusters and 2 Brooms Head Landcare members, so well done to Robyn and Paul Sharp for coming out to help us. It was wonderufl to pick up some local knowledge (like where to stand to get phone service) and a nice joint activity for two Landcare groups from the area.

Paul & Robyn Sharp from Brooms Head Landcare with CVCIA Landcare member Sharon Davidge

We picked up 68 toads for the night but most concerning was the large females we collected right near the Brooms Head shop.

Sharon Robbins with large female cane toad collected in Brooms Head village.

I lost my voice at the end of the night which made everyone very happy and Bevan, Rob and Sharon R saw a lovely carpet python at Lake Arragan to top the night off. Thanks to the 4 CIA vols that came all that way and thanks to Paul and Robyn for coming out with us. Sharon.

Carpet Python at Lake Arragan. Photo: Bevan Pugh

Myna Bird equals major problem

A Current Affair Thursday 23rd March 2012

 looks at Canberra’s Indian Myna Control Programs successes. Featuring Bill Handke and Peter Green (PeeGee traps) this feature highlights what can be achieved when a community works together. It‘s worth watching (3.5 min) and can be viewed at:  

http://aca.ninemsn.com.au/article/8439734/myna-bird-major-problem#comments.