Guest Speaker, Lynne Wallace-Greenberg, a campaigner for the conservation of Koalas.
Lynne has worked as a vet nurse, volunteering at the Port Macquarie Koala Rescue Centre, and going on the complete a degree in Environmental Science and continuing her studies with a Masters in Con-versation Ecology. Lynne works with Koala Smart, a conservation project based learning program. Lynne shared her passion for these mammals with us, with a very detailed and interesting presentation.Koalas—scientific name Phascolarctos Cinereus and are of the same sub order as the wombat, Vombatidae. They have distinct hands and feet, with 2 thumbs and digits 1 & 2 fused. This gives them climbing advantages. Koala habitat is the eastern seaboard ranges, from Queensland to Victoria and south eastern South Australia. They are not found in Tasmania. Late 1800’s to 1927 the koalas were hunted to near extinction, with pelts used for hats. They were transported to Kangaroo Island and French Island for their protection, though this led to overpopulation, inbreeding and defoliation of habitat, consequently now low genetic diversity. Southern koalas are larger, with darker, more dense fur than the northern koalas. They are facing many challenges to their natural territory, such as
land clearing and habitat fragmentation, climate change, changing soil PH reflects a loss of moisture in leaf. Other threats to health such as chlamydia, retrovirus, cryptococcus and mange are causing decline in population. Dog attacks, drowning, logging (loss of habitat connectivity) and bushfires all threatens the koala population. Life expectancy of males, in wild, is 12 years; females, 15 years. Conservation and education are ways we can help conserve our precious koalas.Vote of thanks—Terry Hubbard.
3 minute speaker, Sam.
With a lot of media exposure to the current Middle East crisis, Sam has done some research, via electronic media, into the meaning of the word “Martyr”. Sam shared his findings, from biblical times through to current day.
With a lot of media exposure to the current Middle East crisis, Sam has done some research, via electronic media, into the meaning of the word “Martyr”. Sam shared his findings, from biblical times through to current day.
President Penny welcomed Luke, Grade 5 student from Sacred Heart Primary School to tell us about their “hands on” project, building straw bale seating. The students are looking to purchase 10 straw bales, which will have a mortar finish and be incorporated into the school garden patch.
Thankyou Luke!
Thankyou Luke!
Congratulations to Haru, receiving her official Yea RC badge tonight.