Latest news with #HunterWildlifeRescue
The Advertiser
15-05-2025
- General
- The Advertiser
Killing fields: powerful owls the latest victims of region's development boom
The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter. The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms. Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park. Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week. The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died. The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road. "It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said. "To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species." "Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment." Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months. Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets. Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive. "There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said. "They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl." He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring. "We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said. "It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow. "With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go." "To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern." The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter. The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms. Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park. Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week. The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died. The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road. "It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said. "To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species." "Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment." Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months. Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets. Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive. "There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said. "They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl." He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring. "We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said. "It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow. "With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go." "To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern." The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter. The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms. Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park. Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week. The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died. The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road. "It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said. "To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species." "Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment." Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months. Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets. Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive. "There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said. "They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl." He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring. "We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said. "It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow. "With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go." "To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern." The deaths of two powerful owls have been blamed on rapid urban growth and infrastructure development across the Lower Hunter. The owls, listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, are the largest of all Australian owls. Males grow to 65 centimetres in height and weigh up to 1.7 kilograms. Typical habitat is densely wooded areas such as those that have recently been destroyed around Minmi and Rankin Park. Hunter Bird Observers Club committee member Rob Kyte was alerted to a distressed owl in Hudson Park, Kotara, last week. The rescued male bird, which had a damaged eye, beak and wing, initially showed promising signs of recovery, but eventually died. The next day, Mr Kyte found a female owl that had been hit by a vehicle on the side of Hillisbrough Road. "It was quite sad because it probably means there is a tree hollow somewhere that has eggs or young that wouldn't have survived," he said. "To have two birds taken out of the system at this time of year is a massive hit for species." "Powerful owls are an apex predator, they need mature woodland, tall trees and a dark environment, and we are losing that a lot in Newcastle at the moment." Mr Kyte's comments echo those of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, which has been called to rescue increased numbers of koalas and other native animals over the past 18 months. Government bureaucrats and developers routinely responded to community concerns about habitat loss with reports and studies that argue impacts on native fauna will be minimised, despite increased instances of dead and injured wildlife appearing in suburban streets. Mr Kyte said he suspected the two owls had been pushed out of their homes and had been struggling to survive. "There's just not enough room for them; a peer in another territory is not going to tolerate them moving in, so they are going to find it tough going," he said. "They may end up taking alternative prey, like a rat that has been poisoned, which will end up killing the owl." He said he doubted the Lower Hunter powerful owl population would recover given the widespread clearing that was occurring. "We have definitely seen a decline in established populations," he said. "It takes over 100 years for a hollow to form in a tree. From a powerful owl perspective, it's probably about 150 years because they need a large hollow. "With these mature trees being taken as they are, there's just nowhere left for them to go." "To have an Apex predator like that in the environment is a sign of a healthy environment. When we start to take out trees and the birds disappear then it's a real cause for concern."
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Officials launch urgent investigation after over 200 birds found dead in suspected mass poisoning event: 'It's a heartbreaking situation'
Australian officials believe the misuse of pesticides has caused the poisoning and deaths of more than 200 birds, and they are asking for the public's help to investigate the crime. The Guardian reported that hundreds of little corellas have been found extremely sick or dead in New South Wales. Veterinarians and other volunteers have been working to save any surviving birds. Based on its observations, the NSW Environment Protection Authority believes they were poisoned by pesticides. "It's a heartbreaking situation," Kate Randolph, Hunter Wildlife Rescue's acting president, told the publication. Little corellas are usually loud, playful birds that gather at local marinas. But the affected birds have instead shown symptoms such as paralysis and unsteadiness, and many are unable to fly. "When you approach them, they can't fly, they can barely move," volunteer Kerry Walker said. "They try to spread their wings, and they just literally topple forward." Officials said pesticide poisoning is a likely culprit, although it could be weeks until toxicology reports are complete. Pesticides are commonly used for agricultural purposes, with an estimated 1 billion pounds used each year in the United States alone. But these chemical-laden products aren't just harmful to the weeds and insects they target. They also pose a number of risks to the environment and to the health of humans and animals. They leach into our soil and waterways, so much so that pesticide residue has been found in several popular baby foods. When combined with the effects of climate change, pesticides have been shown to reduce bees' life expectancy by up to 70%. Do you worry about pesticides in your food? All the time Sometimes Not really I only eat organic Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. And just like with the little corellas, a similar situation occurred in NSW last year, as dozens of magpies were believed to have been poisoned, including nine that died. Officials in that case also believed pesticides could have been to blame. In NSW, individuals who misuse pesticides can be fined up to $500,000, and companies can face a $2 million penalty. Officials have asked the public for help identifying those who may have been responsible for the alleged poisoning. Veterinarian Tania Bishop also told The Guardian that this incident should serve as a warning about feeding wild birds. When birds learn to trust humans and take food from them, she said, it makes them more susceptible to intentional poisoning. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Independent
18-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Hundreds of small cockatoos dead in suspected mass poisoning in Australia
Hundreds of corellas have been discovered either dead or in critical state in New South Wales, Australia, in what's suspected to be a mass poisoning event. The New South Wales Environment Protection Authority said they launched an investigation and started collecting samples from Newcastle, Carrington and Hamilton areas after distressed birds were seen falling out of trees on Monday. Many birds were found disoriented, bleeding, or in distress, with over 60 euthanized by a local vet. They were found in parks, shopping centres, on ovals and in front yards. There are fears that more birds may be affected in the coming days. Corellas, a kind of white cockatoo, often come in conflict with farmers as they cause significant damage to farms, orchards, and sometimes even buildings. Jason Gordon, the Environment Protection Authority's executive director of regulatory operations, described the situation as 'distressing' and said the corellas also suffered from paralysis and an inability to fly. 'The misuse of pesticides, whether deliberate or unintentional, is completely unacceptable and carries heavy penalties,' he said. Hunter Wildlife Rescue said that the incident was likely the result of poisoning. 'They are all over the neighbourhood. We are getting calls from members of the public who are finding them in their front yards, they are being found on ovals,' the rescue organisation's head, Kate Randolph, said. 'Everyone's working together. It's a heartbreaking situation.' Dr Tania Bishop, a vet with Australia 's largest wildlife rescue organisation Wires also said that mass poisoning was a likely explanation. However, she told the Guardian that toxicology results identifying potential poisons could take weeks. 'Testing will include ruling out bird flu and inspecting impacted locations for evidence of potential pesticide misuse,' the Environment Protection Authority said. 'We're also contacting several vets across the Newcastle area to confirm the numbers of sick and dead birds, and where exactly they've been found.' A practitioner at the Hamilton Veterinary Clinic told the Newcastle Herald he had never seen anything like this in his 13 years there. 'They are in agony,' he said. 'They spread their wings and look at you as if to say help me. It's absolutely horrible.' The incident has caused outrage in the community. 'This is absolutely disgusting! These creatures are our Native Australian birds and have as much right as we do to this earth! We are here to protect them,' one resident posted on Facebook. 'I hope the perpetrators are caught and held accountable and rot!' Another wrote: 'What sick human would do this.' 'This is just too sad,' said another. 'What is wrong with some people. These are living breathing animals. We share, not own this planet.' The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported in 2023 that farmers in Victoria were using eagles and falcons to deter corellas and other nuisance birds in a humane, non-lethal way to protect their crops. The trained raptors would fly over the affected areas, scaring the corellas without attacking them.
Yahoo
17-03-2025
- Yahoo
Fears over suspected mass poisoning event in Aussie city: 'Utterly devastating'
Residents were horrified when more than 90 native birds were discovered dead and dying across an Australian city on Monday. Most of the affected birds appear to be corellas, a protected species that has frequently fallen victim to similar mass mortalities in several states. First responders from Hunter Wildlife Rescue suspect the incident is likely a mass poisoning across the inner-city suburbs of Newcastle, and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been notified. The dead birds have been reported at multiple locations in Newcastle, Hamilton and Carrington. One witness told Yahoo News some of the birds had been seen falling over before they were collected. Upset locals have been shocked by the unfolding event. "This is so utterly devastating," one person said. "This is horrible," another added. The EPA told Yahoo its officers are investigating deaths across multiple sites and collecting samples from the birds for further testing. 'Testing will include ruling out bird flu and inspecting impacted locations for evidence of potential pesticide misuse,' it said. 'We're also contacting several vets across the Newcastle area to confirm the numbers of sick and dead birds, and where exactly they've been found.' In January, the EPA confirmed with Yahoo it had investigated a number of mass bird fatalities, with several linked to the misuse of controlled poisons. Affected birds included cockatoos, ibis, magpies, ravens and pigeons. 🚨 Coles photo highlights growing wildlife issue in Aussie supermarkets 🏭 Ibis killed in 'bloody massacre' at business park 🍗 Chicken shop's 'bonkers' pest control plan sparks intense backlash Following today's corella deaths, it warned the negligent use of pesticides in a manner that harms any non-target animal can attract penalties of up to $500,000 for an individual and $2,000,000 for a corporation. 'We encourage anyone with information on this incident to come forward by calling our 24/7 Environment Line on 131 555,' it said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
