Hydromys chrysogaster

The Australian Platypus Conservancy has recently initiated Water-rat Report, a community-based monitoring program for the Australian water-rat.  This attractive native rodent (also known as rakali) is the largest mammal to share the platypus’s freshwater habitat. 

 The Australian water-rat occupies an ecological niche similar to that of otters on other continents and has many otter-like traits, including a streamlined body, partly webbed hind feet and luxuriously dense, water-repellent fur.

Water-rat Report is modelled on the APC’s successful Platypus Care project:  reports of past and present sightings of Hydromys are being collected to learn more about the  species’ current status and distribution.
 

 Identifying Features and Behaviour

Based on anecdotal reports, water-rats will travel several hundred metres across dry land in order to dine on delicacies, such as pet food left out regularly on a back porch.  These animals also appear to have the rare ability to be able to kill the introduced cane toads, without falling victim to the toad’s poisonous parotid glands.

Social Organisation and Life Cycle

Apart from females raising dependent offspring, water-rats lead solitary lives.  The animals are highly territorial, marking their areas with a strong and distinctive scent.  Mating occurs in late winter to early summer, with juveniles appearing from September to February.  Females generally begin to breed at (or after) the age of 8 months, and raise up to five litters (though usually just 1-2) per year, each typically composed of 3-4 juveniles.  The young remain with their mother for about two months before leaving home.  It is believed that water-rats normally survive for a maximum of about 3 or 4 years in the wild.  For more information:- Visit the Australian Platypus Conservancy website……

                                               www.platypus.asn.au

 

Phascolarctos cinereus

Koalas are marsupials, like kangaroos and wombats. Unlike placental mammals, marsupials are mammals that give birth to very underdeveloped young that then complete their development outside the mother's body - often in a pouch.

 Adult koalas weigh between four and 14 kilograms depending on their sex and where they are from. Males are up to 50 per cent heavier than females. Koalas from Victoria normally weigh eight to 12 kilograms, while those from Queensland weigh between five and seven kilograms

 Predators?

Koalas have few natural predators. In the past, the major cause of death appears to have been dingoes. Young koalas may occasionally be taken by powerful owls or wedge-tailed eagles

Territories?

Koalas don't protect a territory of their own. However, each koala does have an area of regularly used food trees called a home range. Home ranges vary in size depending on the nature of the habitat, but are usually less than three hectares in size

The koala's thick fur acts as a great insulator. In cold weather, a koala huddles in a ball with its back to the wind. On hot days, it stretches out along a branch. It may also seek shade on the ground or in non-eucalypt trees with dense foliage

Threats to Koalas

Many koala populations, including Phillip Island's, are under threat from habitat loss, dog attacks, and cars. As many populations decline, others, such as those on French Island, are at risk through overpopulation of their limited habitat. This leads to over-browsing and destruction of the trees, threatening the koalas with starvation. Below are some simple things that you can do to help.

Habitat loss is the greatest threat facing koalas. There is an urgent need for habitat conservation and restoration, including wildlife corridors to link isolated patches of habitat.
 

 How you can help