A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Point 10
http://bwvp.ecolinc.vic.edu.au/sites/default/files/P10Lowres.mov
1
Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby (Petrogale penicillata)
Brush-tailed Rock Wallaby
(Petrogale penicillata)
Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies are now critically endangered in Victoria. Less than ten are believed to be living in the wild within Victoria. Foxes and feral cats are believed to be responsible for this decline. Competition with feral grazers including rabbits, and diseases such as toxoplasmosis and hydatidosis, carried by feral cats and foxes, can afflict the wallabies. Eight Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies were introduced to Mt Rothwell in 2004. These originated from a population that was introduced to New Zealand in 1860. The reintroduction has proved very successful with more than 30 Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies currently living at Mt Rothwell. Others have been reintroduced elsewhere.
2
Australian Painted Lady - Vanessa kershawi
Australian Painted Lady
(Vanessa kershawi)
This butterfly species is mostly confined to Australia. Large numbers of adults migrate to southern parts of Australia from Queensland and northern New South Wales during spring. In general, fragmented habitats, human disturbance and introduced species are harmful to butterflies. Fortunately for the Australian Painted Lady, a large variety of host plants has meant that the disappearance of grassland habitat has not severely impacted on this species.
3
Common Blue-tongue Lizard - Tiliqua scincoides
Common Blue-tongue Lizard
(Tiliqua scincoides)
The natural habitat of the Common Blue-tongue Lizard is woodland, grassland and heathland. Young Blue-tongue Lizards are easy prey for cats and dogs, therefore the population living at Mt Rothwell also benefit from the predator proof fence. Many Blue-tongue Lizards in suburban areas are accidentally poisoned by eating snails which have eaten snail bait. As the weather begins to warm up in spring, many Blue-tongue Lizards bask on bitumen roads and are at risk of being hit by vehicles.
4
Whistling Kite - Haliastur sphenurus
Whistling Kite
(Haliastur sphenurus)
Whistling Kites are often seen and heard at Mt Rothwell due to the open woodland areas and tall trees which are used for nesting. Human activity has favoured this bird to some extent. Farmlands are useful hunting grounds and the birds also feed on roadkill. However, the Whistling Kite is also common in wetland areas. Wetland destruction and drainage impacts populations in the southern parts of Australia. The conservation status of the Whistling Kite in Victoria is currently secure.
5
Wedge-tailed Eagle - Aquila audax
Wedge-tailed Eagle
(Aquila audax)
From this vantage point at Mt Rothwell, a number of birds of prey may be observed. Pairs of Wedge-tailed Eagles can often be seen soaring high above, hunting for rabbits, hares and carrion. Often, other smaller birds including Magpies and Magpie-larks may be observed chasing birds of prey away from their territories.
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