Latest news with #NationalParksAndWildlifeService
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Aussies warned over major national park hazard to tackle 'big threat' from this week
Australians are being reminded that in just a matter of days, an expansive fox baiting program is due to commence on the east coast, aimed at reducing the growing population of the highly adaptable and invasive predator. Across the country, foxes kill hundreds of millions of native animals per year, and in New South Wales, the pest is widespread. It's estimated they cost governments millions annually in eradication efforts, livestock losses, and environmental damage, meaning regular control efforts are critical to ensure their management remains possible. The NSW Evrionment Department carries out fox control several times a year. But despite this, they're still found across up to 90 per cent of the state. From August 1 until January next year, another round of baiting will be conducted across NSW national parks and reserves, by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The announcement prompted a callout from a number of local vets, warning that toxic bait is also harmful to domestic pets. They urged owners to be aware of the signs of ingestion, and to avoid areas where the poison will be laid. In NSW, it's actually illegal to walk pets in most national parks, but despite this, evidence suggests it regularly occurs — either among people flouting the law or doing so unwittingly. Speaking to Yahoo News, a NPWS spokesperson detailed the true scale of the threat foxes pose to both the state, and the nation. They explained that a "range of strictly controlled methods" are used to manage feral animals in national parks, with "decisions about control methods" for a particular species and circumstance made in consideration of humaneness and effectiveness. "Invasive species are one of the biggest threats to native plants and animals and cause extensive damage to the environment, along with billions of dollars' worth of damage to Australian agricultural production each year," they said. "Sodium fluoroacetate (1080) is the most effective landscape fox control method. 1080 is a naturally occurring compound found in some native plant species that rapidly breaks down in the environment." They said extensive research has shown that native animals — including lace monitors, quolls and birds — have a high tolerance to 1080 at the concentrations used to control foxes. Typically, 1080 fox baits resemble small chunks of meat or meat-like material, often dyed a distinct colour (usually green or red) to help identify them as toxic and discourage accidental handling. In the state, without large-scale control efforts, foxes can quickly recolonise areas where populations were reduced, due to their mobility and territorial behaviour. Is 1080 poison humane? While 1080 poison remains a key tool in controlling invasive pests like foxes and wild dogs across Australia, it continues to stir debate over animal welfare. Critics, including some animal welfare organisations, environmentalists, and vets, argue the poison causes prolonged and distressing deaths, citing symptoms like vomiting, convulsions and frenzied behaviour. They label it inhumane and push for tighter restrictions or alternatives. On the other hand, many scientific experts, particularly in conservation biology, defend the use of 1080 as a necessary evil in protecting native species. Australia's native wildlife has no natural defence against introduced predators like foxes and cats, which kill millions of animals annually. Without effective control, many endangered species face extinction. ☠️ Plea to Aussies over controversial substance found in bush 🦊 Aussie council under pressure as iconic species ravaged by invasive predator 🐜 Aussie mum's brutal injuries as property owners warned of painful threat Supporters argue that while 1080 isn't perfect, it's currently the most effective broadscale option, especially in remote or rugged areas where trapping or fencing isn't feasible. Research from institutions like the Invasive Species Council and CSIRO states that native animals are more tolerant to 1080 due to the presence of the chemical in some native plants. While concerns about cruelty remain, proponents say the ecological damage from unchecked predator populations would be far worse — and that alternatives either aren't viable at scale or pose greater risks to the environment. And across NSW, population decline is strongly dependent on sustained, coordinated control efforts, highlighting the need for urgent and consistent action. Why are foxes such a big problem in Australia? Foxes were introduced to Australia in the 1860s by Europeans for recreational hunting. But since then, their numbers have exploded exponentially across the country, largely due to a lack of natural predators. They feed on native species, particularly small mammals, reptiles, and ground-nesting birds, many of which are already vulnerable or endangered. Their introduction has significantly contributed to the decline of several native species, particularly small mammals like the bilby, numbat and bettong. Foxes' hunting behaviour is opportunistic and highly efficient, often killing more than they need. Beyond their environmental impact, they pose risks to agriculture by preying on lambs and spreading diseases such as hydatid tapeworm. Wildlife that benefit from fox control programs include brush-tailed rock-wallabies, malleefowl, bandicoots, little terns and plains wanderers, the NPWS said. It conducts feral animal management in partnership with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Local Land Services, and other landholders and managers. From August, bait will be laid in numerous locations, including the Garigal, Lane Cove, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Sydney Harbour National Parks. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
The Independent
17-07-2025
- General
- The Independent
Humpback whale in Sydney Harbour treats commuters to a surprise
Watch the remarkable moment that a humpback whale is spotted in Sydney Harbour on Wednesday (16 July). Eyewitness footage taken onboard a passing ferry shows the mammal poking above the waters at Circular Quay – Sydney's central ferry terminal - before diving back down. The appearance of the whale resulted in ferries having to be temporarily paused during the morning commute on advice of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). Crews from the NPWS guarded the animal as it swam freely in the harbour until it left the area a few hours later, a NPWS spokesperson said.
ABC News
12-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
The ACT government promised to rebuild, but these huts in Namadgi National Park remain in ruins
Deep in the heart of Namadgi National Park, the bush is coming back to life. But two heritage huts destroyed when 80 per cent of the park burned in the Black Summer bushfires remain in ruins, despite government promises to rebuild. Demandering Hut and Max and Bert Oldfields Hut were destroyed during the 2020 Orroral Valley Fire. The ACT government promised two new huts in remembrance of the originals in 2023, after 90 per cent of respondents during public consultation voted to rebuild them. The new huts will sit near the old, so visitors can see the ruins alongside the replica. Across the border, the NSW government and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have rebuilt 10 huts destroyed during the same period in Kosciuszko National Park. But there is no evidence of progress at the two huts in the ACT's jurisdiction. Since retiring five years ago, Greg Buckman from the Canberra Bushwalking Club has visited around 80 of the more than 200 historical huts scattered throughout the Australian high country — including the two awaiting work. "It's disappointing. In the five years since the fire, all of the huts in Kosciuszko have been rebuilt … and yet nothing's happened to Demandering Hut or Max and Bert's Hut," Mr Buckman said. Standing at the fenced-off ruins of Demandering Hut, observing the burnt stone chimney and charred corrugated iron, Mr Buckman feels the loss. "It's obviously a complete wreck," Mr Buckman said. "It's definitely sad seeing it like this and also sad knowing that it's been like this for five years now. "It had lots of character, for sure." Grazier Bill Cotter built Demandering Hut — named after his homestead — in the 1940s. It was a corrugated iron and timber hut with a stone fireplace and a water tank. Built in 1967, Max and Bert Oldfields Hut was another simple, corrugated iron building. It sat undisturbed for around 40 years before oral historian Matthew Higgins rediscovered it in 1990. At the time, Mr Higgins described finding a time capsule of personal items in the hut. Mr Buckman said half of the heritage structures in the Australian Alps have been lost since WWII. "That alone justifies the rebuilding of huts like Demandering," he said. "They're like little museums in the middle of the wilderness. "You're taken through this time tunnel back to times before the Second World War. "They're history. They're heritage. They're reminders of a bygone era." The huts can be lifesaving, too. In January, missing hiker Hadi Nazari survived being lost in Kosciuszko National Park by eating only two muesli bars, found in Opera House Hut. While the ACT government agrees the huts should be recreated, the work, announced in October 2023, doesn't appear to be happening. In a statement, an ACT government spokesperson said archaeological and heritage assessments were underway at the two sites to inform the next stages of the project. But heritage consultant and Kosciuszko Huts Association (KHA) member Geoff Ashley said the building could start at the same time as the heritage assessment, and Parks ACT could be doing more. "By all means start the archaeological work, but [push through] the documentation of the new huts," Mr Ashley said. Mr Ashley wrote the rule book around heritage restorations. After the 2003 Canberra fires destroyed 20 huts in the high country, he was tasked with creating a conservation strategy, including a method for rebuilding huts. The National Parks and Wildlife Service followed Mr Ashley's methodology during their recent rebuilds. "They can get on with the project," Mr Ashley said. Mr Ashley said KHA volunteers have also encountered issues while trying to carry out essential maintenance on other huts in the ACT. He said Parks ACT had established a "complex process of approval to do any work" on the huts, meaning "some of the places are going backwards a bit". "In NSW, the community is benefiting. The community is involved in using and maintaining the huts … which keeps the heritage values going." Mr Ashley said ultimately, it's those who frequent Namadgi National Park that miss out. "It's not just about rebuilding huts. It's about connecting to the community … that's what's missing in the ACT," he said. "That connection isn't happening.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Yahoo
Warning over coastal act attracting $3000 fine after several Aussies 'taken to court'
For millions of Australians, living on the coast means being right on the doorstep of one of the extraordinary spectacles on earth — the annual humpback migration season. The annual journey, which takes place along the eastern seaboard, typically occurs between May and August, with peak activity in June and July. During this time, humpbacks travel from their feeding grounds in Antarctica to tropical regions, such as the Great Barrier Reef, where they mate and give birth. It's a famous seasonal movement that people from all over flock toward, packing into vantage points on cliffs and beaches, and for a lucky few, on boats in jet skis, to watch the estimated 40,000 that will make their way up to the tropics. But, there are strict rules in place that observers must follow, and penalties, to the tune of $3,000 in New South Wales for those caught breaking the rules. This week, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging all spectators to be across the guidelines. Launching Operation Ketos, to "ensure the public gives these giants of the sea the space they need", some 40 NPWS officers boarded whale-watching cruises this week to promote safe and respectful behaviour after reports of recent "breaches" of the law. "[These have] in particular involved jet ski riders getting too close to whales or dolphins," a NPWS spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia. In NSW, approaching a whale closer than the legally permitted distance can result in significant penalties. Under the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017, individuals may face fines up to $3,300, while corporations can be fined up to $16,500 for such breaches. Specific approach distances include: 100 metres for vessels near adult whales. 300 metres for vessels if a calf is present. 300 metres for personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis) at all times. 100 metres for drones or unmanned aircraft. The spokesperson said that each year in NSW, there are collisions between small vessels and whales, posing risks of human injury and vessel damage. "This season, two incidents have been attributed to vessel collisions. In one case, an adult whale sustained 'breadslice' injuries across its back from a small vessel's propeller. In another, a vessel struck a calf, which died shortly afterwards," they said. "People operating boats or riding jet skis must, by law, maintain a distance of 100 metres and 300 metres respectively from whales or dolphins. Enforcement typically begins with a verbal or written warning. Further breaches may result in an official caution, followed by a Penalty Infringement Notice." Serious breaches can lead to court action, the spokesperson added, with several enforcement actions taken last year, and several investigations are currently underway. Aussies flock to coastline to witness incredibly rare moment Aussie's 'dream-like' moment during special ocean encounter Alarming map surrounding Australia highlights growing danger to whales NSW's coastline is a prime location to witness this migration, with whales often swimming close to the shoreline, making them visible from numerous vantage points. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as the "humpback highway" due to the large number of whales passing by NPWS warned that jet ski riders who find themselves within 300 metres of whales or dolphins must, by law, move away. Seeing whales and dolphins up close is a special experience, but even brief disturbances can cause stress to the animals, draining their limited energy reserves. Because whales don't feed during migration, it's especially important to give them space, particularly mothers and calves. Approaching them by boat, jet ski, kayak, surfboard or drone can disrupt nursing and prevent calves from getting the nutrition they need to grow. This can also push whales out of shallow, sheltered resting areas into deeper waters, where they're more exposed to predators like orcas and sharks. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
ABC News
08-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Humpback whale entangled in rope, trailing a buoy spotted south off Sydney Harbour
Whale rescue teams are poised to assist a "distressed" humpback whale entangled in rope and trailing a buoy that has been sighted just south of Sydney Harbour. The adult humpback is travelling south, which is in the opposite direction to what it should be during what is the official whale migration season. "It's entangled with rope on its left pectoral fin, and is trailing rope and a light coloured, almost white buoy which is about 20 metres behind it," Jessica Fox, Vice President of the Organisation for Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) told the ABC. Ms Fox said the National Parks and Wildlife Service Large Whale Disentanglement Team was currently on stand-by to help the whale if conditions and time allowed today. "Unfortunately, it is getting a bit late in the day now so we're really hoping some sightings come through quickly now. It was last seen about 2pm around South Head on Sunday afternoon. "Humpback whales would usually all be still heading north this time of year in June," Ms Fox said. "This is very unusual to see it travelling south so early in the season, and this is why we think this whale is in distress and it's turning around and heading back to the Great Southern Ocean." She said the north-bound travel was part of their migration. "They head up the east coast of Australia from the Great Southern Ocean where their feeding grounds are and they head up to warmer waters either to birth, or to meet up with friends and mate. "Given that it is travelling south means to us that it may be in distress. She added that it was unclear where the whale became entangled in the rope. "We're unsure where the buoy has come from. It may have picked it up anywhere, the first sighting of the whale was on Saturday." ORCCA said it was an adult humpback whale, but they were unclear of the sex or age. Specially trained whale experts have been reviewing footage of the whale supplied by ORCCA and members of the public. Ms Fox said once the whale was located, the whale rescue team would work out what formation their boats need to be in to safely snag the rope and cut it off. "But it is done in a really methodical and focused and specific way for the safety for both the humans and whales involved." People are urged to ring the whale rescue hotline on 02 9415 3333 if they spot the whale.
