Clarence Valley W.I.R.E.S carers who look after such emu chicks must be devastated that in this instance all their care has been undone in this manner, while many North Coast residents' jaws dropped when the news was published this week.
As for the estimated $70,000 reported set aside for this study before its cancellation, one wonders just how much of this funding remains.
As for the estimated $70,000 reported set aside for this study before its cancellation, one wonders just how much of this funding remains.
Media statement from NSW Roads & Maritime Services 16 January 2013:
A state and federally funded trial where six hand raised emus with tracking devices were released back into the wild near Taloumbi as part of the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade project has been stopped.
Roads and Maritime Services obtained support from a local wildlife carer, the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Taronga Western Plains Zoo to facilitate the study.
The study aimed to track the released emus for up to 18 months to determine their movements, habitat and the success of released captive birds back into the wild.
At the beginning of January three birds were found killed by wild dogs or dingos.
In addition three of the recaptured study birds sustained abrasions from their tracking cuffs as well as injuries from barbed wire fencing.
The study team is looking into why the birds sustained cuff related injuries as the tracking devices used on cassowary research did not experience similar issues.
Results from the study to date will be considered for the project’s environmental impact statement which includes a Biodiversity Connectivity Strategy which identifies a number of measures to manage potential impacts on the coastal emu population.
Vanessa Juresic
Media Officer
1 comment:
RMS is not doing itself any favours by publishing incorrect information.
Post a Comment